“I’ve been waiting for this for all these years,” was the sentiment expressed by veteran dancehall artiste Moses “Beenie Man” Davis as he received recognition for his contribution to the genre alongside Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price at this year’s Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

The men received their honorary citation from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who thanked both acts for helping to maintain dancehall’s legacy over the last few decades. 

The gentlemen were met with adoring applause and screams from the approximately 30,000 attendees, clad in their national colours, who filled the venue.

“Thanks to the heart of Jamaican people — each and every one. Thank unnuh for supporting us for all these years,” Beenie Man added in his acceptance speech as he waved the black, green and gold canister with the citation.

Bounty Killer sang a similar tune. He added that he is pleased at the recognition in his birth country while he is still alive.

“Thank you, Mr Prime Minister. I just want to say I’m humbled and grateful to receive this. This is a milestone. This is something that a lot of us never get to receive while we can celebrate. So, my brother Moses, we came from rivals to iconic idols… It’s been over a decade I cannot travel to certain countries. This is certainly a Jamaican milestone,” Bounty Killer said. 

The presentation was followed by a medley of hits by both men that was accentuated by dimmed lights that gave the roaring crowd a chance to decorate the stadium with camera lights as they captured the moment.

Beenie rendered hits such as Sim Simma, Let Him Go, and Wickedest Slam.

Bounty Killer, on the other hand, performed, in part, Look Into My Eyes, Stucky and Sufferer.

Earlier in the programme, renowned reggae group Third World, as well as co-founder of VP Records Patricia “Pat” Chin were also recognised for their contribution to Jamaican music. Meanwhile, emphasis was also placed on cultural icon Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley through several of the gala’s presentation.

Other performances included gospel artistes Lubert Levy, Rhoda Isabella, and Kevin Downswell.

Members of the Chinese community, who are also celebrating 170 years since their arrival in Jamaica, sponsored fireworks for the show.

To top things off, there was a drone show which featured some 1,000 on display. The drones formed several cultural symbols, as well as icons including the king of Reggae, Bob Marley.