- Carlington WilmotBeenie Man is surrounded by fans on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport after winning the prestigious Grammy Award.
Andrew Clunis, Freelance Writer
LILIETH SEWELL, Beenie Man's mother was in tears. She couldn't find words to greet her son, Moses Davis, when he arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport on Friday afternoon.
A large throng of supporters and staff of Shocking Vibes, his record label, gathered at the airport to welcome home 'The Doctor' who won his first Grammy award on Wednesday night.
The DJ was picked up in a limousine which formed part of a motorcade from the airport to his Shocking Vibes' Springvale Avenue offices, in Kingston.
His wish list was complete. All through life he had wished to own a house, own a BMW and win a Grammy. Now he's building his 'castle' on the 'roof' of the city in Belvedere and he owns a BMW, a Lexus, a Mercedes Benz and an F-150. The trilogy was completed in Los Angeles on Wednesday night when NARAS awarded him the 2001 Grammy award for Best Reggae Recording for the album Art and Life.
Trophies
There is a trophy room at Springvale Avenue with close to 300 trophies which he and members of the Shocking Vibes organisation have won for their musical exploits. He's building a special enclosure for the Grammy, which will be placed atop everything.
"And crooks can forget all their smart ideas," he said. Beenie Man has insured his Grammy against theft. "I've insured my Grammy for over J$1 million," he said.
Several years ago one of the Grammy awards won by ace DJ Shabba Ranks was stolen from his mother's home in Seaview Gardens, Kingston.
Thanks
Immediately following the presentation at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Beenie Man returned to his hotel room.
"I just prayed and read a scripture. I couldn't stay for the show when I had God to thank. I then made some phone calls to my family to let them know what was happening," he said.
However, Virgin Records threw a party later that night where Courvoisier cognac flowed. The party was attended by Cristina Aguillera, Destiny's Child, Wyclef Jean and other top artistes.
Now that he's got the Grammy, what next for Beenie Man?
"I'm working on my next album. Many artistes win Grammys and get complacent. It's just more work for me. More music, more shows, more sales, everything at a higher level," he said after Showbiz pulled him from a large throng of supporters who encircled him at his base.
The story of Beenie Man, 27, is the stuff bestsellers are made of, although he does not plan to sanction an official biography just yet.
In 1991 perhaps only Beenie Man would have thought he could attain the height he has today. At a free concert at the National Stadium in honour of visiting South African President Nelson Mandela, his career plunged to its lowest point after he performed a song in which he referred to White South Africans as 'Green Arm'. Beenie Man was disgraced. The following year, he began to gain attention nationally. Then in 1997 he was signed by Island Records and his journey to the top began.
Now a Virgin Records artiste, he commands large fees in US dollars and is able to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. In fact, he has gained celebrity status, through his much publicised roller coaster relationship with dancehall queen Carlene, his live-in love. In addition he has had his share of public squabbles over concubinage which have in cases landed him and his female friends in court.
This has been the progression of the life of an artiste who would DJ for 25 cents coins at age five.
The beginning
Moses Davis was born to Lilieth Sewell and Lloyd Davis (now deceased) on August 22, 1973 in Waterhouse, Kingston. He made his recording debut in 1981 after performing at a community concert and was spotted by radio disc jockey Barry G who introduced him to producer Junjo Lawes who allowed him to make his first recording, Too Fancy. In 1984 he recorded his first album, The Invincible Beenie Man - 10-Year-Old Wonder, for veteran producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee.
Beenie Man would soon meet Patrick Roberts and his fortune would change forever. The DJ recorded two popular songs for Roberts, We Run Tings and Kipway, on the Shocking Vibes label.
He has made steady progress under Roberts' guidance, scoring more number one songs locally than any other Jamaican artiste in history.
