NPR Music’s Bobby Carter writes, “Before he stepped behind the Tiny Desk, Beenie Man contemplated our office space. The man born Moses Anthony Davis is accustomed to performing at maximum velocity, touching every part of a big stage … and here were but a few square feet for him to move. Nevertheless, the king of dancehall brings Kingston to Washington, D.C.” Here is a tribute to Beenie Man and his performance (NPR Music) by Savannah Taylor (Ebony, June 24, 2025). [See link to Beenie Man: Tiny Desk Concert below. Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.]
Some artists ride waves. Others are the wave. Beenie Man has long been the latter—an architect of sound, swagger and spirit whose influence stretches far beyond the borders of Jamaica. For over three decades, he’s held court as dancehall’s crown jewel, a living legend whose music pulses through cookouts, carnivals and every corner where Black joy gathers. Beenie Man has ruled the dancehall realm with unmatched charisma and a voice that reverberates from Kingston to Brooklyn. Tracks like “Who Am I (Sim Simma)” and “Girls Dem Sugar” didn’t just top charts — they became the soundtrack of diasporic joy, resilience, and liberation.
So when the legendary King of Dancehall stepped into NPR’s Tiny Desk for a high‑octane, intimate set, it served as a beautiful collision of legacy, culture, and celebration. This Black Music Month—coinciding with Caribbean Heritage Month—he brought that legacy to the Tiny Desk stage, stripping back the theatrics without ever losing the heat. The performance was intimate but expansive, a reminder that even in close quarters, a king doesn’t shrink.
EBONY had the opportunity to go behind the scenes as Beenie Man and his band built something electric in real time. From the mic checks to the meditations, what we witnessed was more than preparation—it was reverence. Reverence for the culture, the craft, and the countless fans who’ve danced, healed and loved through his lyrics. This June, as we honor both Black Music Month and Caribbean Heritage Month, EBONY‘s cameras caught the calm before the rhythmic storm—spirited interludes with his bandmates, the casual breakdowns of riddims, and the warm exchanges between him and his background singers. Yet the minute the first note rang out, that Tiny Desk transformed into a mini bashment—pulse racing, feet tapping, hearts moving.
In an era of fleeting fame, Beenie’s staying power feels like a protest—proof that longevity still lives here, especially when it’s rooted in truth and rhythm. His Tiny Desk isn’t just a performance—it’s a reminder that Caribbean music is Black music, and it’s never belonged in the margins. Despite global fame, Beenie Man’s humility and devotion to the essence of Dancehall remain steadfast. He spoke candidly about his journey—from local block parties to global stages—while remaining deeply rooted in Caribbean pride and Black musical excellence.
Take an up-close look at a legend, still rising, still relevant, and still running the riddim with EBONY. [. . .]
Beenie Man: Tiny Desk Concert, NPR Music, June 20, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uap53lFWEJw
For original article, see https://www.ebony.com/video/beenie-man-npr-tiny-desk-behind-the-scenes
Also see “Beenie Man takes over NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’” by Stereo Williams, Okayplayer, June 23, 2025, at https://www.okayplayer.com/beenie-man-npr-tiny-desk