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Industry insiders are curious why Beenie Man has announced that he will be hosting his annual Beenie Sizzle concert on August 5th, the same date as Capleton's popular St. Mary Mi Come From stage show in St. Mary. Some people say that it is the only date that Beenie Man really has available given his touring obligations, while others insist that Beenie Man is just trying to upstage Capleton who is a former-rival-turned-friend.


Beenie Man himself has brushed aside accusations of the latter saying that the August 5th date bears a special significance in his life.

"August 5th was the date that I won the Tastee Talent contest and it is also the date of my first stage show in 1977, so is a date with special meaning for me," Beenie Man told entertainment tabloid, Xtra News this week.

He also added that this year's Beenie Sizzle was not going to be a late show.

"It ah go done by 3 p.m. so I am asking all Jamaicans to come out early and help me celebrate 30 years in entertainment. The show will feature artistes like Rik Ross, Hurricane Chris and Akon. Akon come for it two times already and him a forward fi a third time, there will be some soca artistes, and other artistes who have never come to the island before," he said.

Beenie Man said he had been hoping to bring in T.I for the bash but alas, T.I is incarcerated so that possibility had been nixed. Vybz Kartel, Sizzla and Jah Cure have also been booked to appear at Beenie Sizzle which will be held in the parking lot of the National Stadium.

"T.I caan come because him de a prison but ah just so the ting set, I tried to contact every artiste who me and dem have a collaboration in the past to come and be a part of this event, it is going to be amazing. There is no problem with Capleton, remember say ah me close that show several years now, so just come out early to Beenie Sizzle and then if yu want, go Capleton show," Beenie explained.

Ms. Claudette Kemp, Capleton's manager, played down the clashing dates and expressed confidence that even in a recession-plagued entertainment market, St. Mary Mi Come From would draw its traditionally strong crowd.
"August 5th has never been a date on which Beenie Man keeps his show. He personally told me he was doing it the 9th but then he said his financial advisers told him that the 5th is a better date. But we shall not be defeated, St. Mary Mi Come From is an awesome show that all the children and the community of St. Mary looks forward to every year."

She said that Capleton's show is historically held on the day before Independence Day, August 6th.

"He came close last year when he held it on August 6th, but we have always invited Beenie Man to our show. Anyway, the music industry is a big pie and everyone can get a slice and Capleton will be taking his slice of the pie in St. Mary on August 5th," she said confidently.