Jamaican reggae artistes Bounty Killer and Beenie Man competed against each other on Instagram Live on Saturday in the first reggae and in-person Verzuz battle, according to media reports.
CNN reported on Saturday that “the latest Verzuz” between the popular artistes “was the party everyone expected, as the two artists battled in person in Jamaica.
“It was the first time two musicians competed physically, as the previous Verzuz battles were all virtual,” CNN said. “Beenie Man and Bounty Killer came ready with coordinated outfits, each with their own DJs and a dancer.
“This is how we represent the culture,” CNN quoted Bounty Killer as saying at the end of the two-hour live stream, as he and Beenie Man sang the legendary Bob Marley’s “One Love.” “At the end of the day, it’s a musical sport.”
Over 450,000 people tuned in Saturday, including Barbadian singing sensation Rihanna and Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, CNN said.
It said Beenie Man also became “a meme for his energetic dance moves.”
At one point, the police showed up, according to the artistes.
The country has a curfew, beginning at 8 pm, said CNN referring to information from the US Embassy in Jamaica.
“No, no, we not stop now,” Beenie Man said as the livestream continued for another hour, according to CNN.
It said Jamaica currently has more than 500 cases of coronavirus.
CNN said Beenie Man and Bounty Killer’s battle was “part of an ongoing series by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland as a way to entertain fans during quarantine.”
It said prior battles featured rappers Nelly and Ludacris, singers Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, as well as singer-producers Teddy Riley and Babyface.
