Born Anthony Moses Davis in 1972 in the notorious Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica, Beenie Man - so-called because of his diminutive size - has been on the dancehall scene since childhood, but only now finds himself among the top flight of ragga dee-jays.
His uncle, the percussionist Sidney Knowles, was a member of Jimmy Cliff's touring band and actively encouraged him to pursue a musical career. Growing up around entertainers, he first practised making rhymes at school before getting his chance to record for producer Junjo Lawes. He was just eight years old. The tune was called "Too Fancy" and was voiced on the same rhythm dee-jay duo Michigan & Smiley used for their massive 1981 hit "Diseases". Given the Jamaican public's love of musical child stars - and the all-conquering rhythm by hot session band Roots Radics - it was no surprise that he topped the local reggae charts at his first attempt.
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