Beenie Man Joins Amapiano Wave with Debut Single ‘Boom Boom’ Featuring Jokwiz and UPZ
The self-proclaimed ‘King of Dancehall,’ Beenie Man, has officially stepped into the world of Amapiano with his debut single, “Boom Boom” (Amapiano Mix). Produced by South African House music producer UPZ and featuring rising Ugandan star Jokwiz Klean on co-lead vocals, this track marks an exciting cross-continental collaboration between dancehall and Amapiano sounds.
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Beenie Man is a legendary figure in dancehall and reggae, with a career spanning decades. From his early days in the 1980s to his global rise in the 1990s, he has been a dominant force in the music industry. With a catalog that includes collaborations with artists like Wyclef Jean and Janet Jackson, Beenie Man‘s venture into Amapiano is a new chapter in his illustrious career.
The origins of “Boom Boom” can be traced back to Uganda. Jokwiz, working on his debut single, met Beenie Man during his visit to Kampala for a series of shows. When Beenie Man heard the track, he immediately jumped on it, contributing his signature catchy chorus and a verse. His energetic freestyle left a lasting impression, turning the song into a dynamic fusion of African and Caribbean influences.
“I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with the Doctor (Beenie Man) and members of the RUFFKUTT band, living a dream. On his final day in Uganda, I played him some of my tracks, as suggested by Benji RuffKutt. The moment the song started, he immediately began to freestyle over it. Everyone loved the flow. He naturally blessed me. And just like that, ‘Boom Boom’ was born.”
As Jokwiz recalls,
With Beenie Man‘s vocals laid down, South African producer UPZ saw an opportunity to merge the song with Amapiano’s signature rhythms. UPZ, known for blending Afrofusion with House and Amapiano, transformed the track into a multi-layered sonic experience.
“It was an honor for me to collaborate on Beenie Man’s first Amapiano production. I loved Jokwiz’s vocals as well; such a great marriage of these two artists. The sax solo and key changes add an unexpected twist to the groove,”.
UPZ said of the collaboration
“Boom Boom” takes listeners on a musical journey, featuring verses in Patois, English, Rugika, and Luganda, and culminates in a standout saxophone solo that adds flair to the mix. The song is a testament to the fusion of diverse cultures and sounds, reflecting the growing Pan-African and global reach of Amapiano.
With Beenie Man’s entrance into the Amapiano genre, fans can expect even more exciting collaborations as this unique sound continues to dominate global music charts.
The track is now available on all major streaming platforms via soWHAT Records: Boom Boom (Amapiano Mix).
