Brightworks Promotions has built a reputation of brining some of the best performers to the Carolina's. And on this particular night, it was no different. Still the people's choice for Dancehall's #1 DJ, "D' Girls Dem Sugar" Beenie Man graced us with his presence at the 2nd Annual Reggae Xplosion held on Saturday February 27th, 2009 at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina.

As usual, CEO of Brightworks Promotions, Michael Stephens, took care of us big time. As soon as we arrived, it was backstage business. Nice. Entering the auditorium, we saw one of Atlanta's top dancehall djs and mic man, Mix Master David laying it all out. After giving a moment of silence to the passing of well know Atlanta promoter Marc Stewart, (who teamed up with Brightworks in the past to bring shows like the One Love Fest featuring Beres Hammond in Aug 2008), it was on like boil corn. I doubt the people of Charlotte had heard a DJ of such caliber in quite some time. After setting the table on fire with big chunes like "Beeper", "Bam Bam" and some classic Buju and Capleton (from the the days when dey had flat tops like Kid n Play), it was time to bring on the artists. We were surely in for a treat.

Photos By Neil B.
page 1 of 3

Nedy T from Jamaica gave a really good performance with some love rockers and conscious vibes to kick things off. Then came Fire Marshall with his song "Murder de Music". By 12AM, a DJ by the name of Curt Riley absolutely ripped the house apart. De man was good. Actually, de man was great! In true Trini style, he was rel boss dred!!! Allyuh get it? Curt Riley is ah best DJ .... listen out for him. He was Beenie Man's DJ for the night. And as Mix Master David asked the Charlotte massive, "Are You Ready?" A sound from backstage came out, "Ohhh Laaawwwd". And just like that, the King of Dancehall appeared on stage.

Who out there really need we tuh tell allyuh about Beenie Man??!! Well one thing for sure, his kit was on point. He was cutting a white pants, west coat with a glitter belt, white shoes, a sailor hat and a zipped up black long sleeve shirt .... rel styles! But most people weren't really studying Beenie's fashion statement; they were focused on the music. And indeed, it was big tune after big tune. Beenie Man even got a bit of a surprise when he sang his hit song "Back It Up" and a young lady from the audience tried to litterly back it up on the King. And as she started to do so, on her hands with her feet in the air, Beenie began to .... welllllll, let's just say that you had to be there! LOL. Okay, okay ... well she tried to back it up on the champ. And as soon as she got too close, de jockey put ah whip on her and she had no choice than to climb back down. Poor ting! Nonetheless, I bet she had a hell of ah time.

As for Beenie Man, as always, a spectacular performance. The show ended at approximately 2AM, and it was off to the after party at Club Crystals, Downtown Charlotte. Kudos to Brightworks Promotions again. They always know how to treat their people. And as fas as future events go, look out for their One Love Fest in June in Greensboro, NC. It is building up to be big time.

Once again .... JoyJuice out and about!