The Ultimate Dining Night Club & Lounge in Mandeville set the perfect scene for the highly anticipated ‘Streets vs Club — Black on Black’ party powered by Magnum Tonic Wine on Saturday, August 17. (Photo: Contributed)

The venue’s layout enhanced the theme, with the nightclub area providing an energetic, pulsating atmosphere, while the VIP section mirrored a more laid-back, street-style ambience.

Patrons enjoyed the best of both worlds, with the U-shaped club offering a bird’s-eye view of the massive Magnum stage and the VIP area. Early birds indulged in the night’s Magnum bucket deal and a premium selection of Hennessy, Campari, Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum, Appleton Reserve, and Moët, as the disc jockeys warmed up the crowd with seamless juggling. 

Fashion was on full display as ladies adhering to the all-black dress code, made bold statements in denim and leather shorts, fishnet stockings, mini skirts and dresses, paired with sneakers, slippers and even boots. Men also followed suit, donning sleek black ensembles, adding to the stylish mood of the night.

By midnight, the “club area” was packed. There was little room for standing by 1:00 am. The VIP section gradually filled up, and by 2:00 am, it was bustling with energy, as tables were continuously set up for groups — mostly ladies — who adorned their spaces with their liquor of choice.

The highlight of the night came with two dancehall icons, whose performances electrified the crowd. At 3:00 am, the host, Paul ‘Bad Ras’ Davis, took the stage to introduce the first headline act, the legendary Beenie Man. Dressed sharply in a pin-striped grey suit, Beenie Man opened with hits like Girls Prayer, Who Am I, Romie, and Girls Dem Sugar.

He paused briefly to engage the audience, who were already in high spirits, before diving into old-school classics like Memories, Love Inna Mi Heart, and Old Dog. The ladies couldn’t resist singing along as Beenie Man grooved in his signature style. 

For 45 minutes, the “Doctor” delivered an extraordinary set, revisiting fan favourites like Slam, Let Him Go, and Healing, which had the crowd in full voice. No Beenie Man performance would be complete without anthems like Dancehall Queen, Gyal Inna Bungle and King of the Dancehall, which turned the venue into a sing-along fest. Wrapping up his set, Beenie Man playfully sang “country road take me home” from one of his favourite Country music classics before exiting the stage to roaring applause from an adoring audience, particularly female fans, who begged for more. 

Then, it was time for the “Poor People Governor” — Bounty Killer — to take over. Dressed in full black, Bounty Killer brought the energy to a fever pitch with his hardcore lyrics, performing hits like Perplex, and Not Another Word. He made it clear that this was no children’s party, kicking things up a notch with Gun Down, Nah Nuh Mercy, and Suspense, sending nostalgia through the crowd as they recalled the epic clashes between Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. 

Bounty Killer showed his versatility, switching gears with tracks like Mi Nature and Benz and Bimma, proving he could serenade the ladies too. But perhaps the memorable moment came when Bounty Killer paid tribute to his former rival-turned-friend, urging the audience to put some respect on Beenie Man’s name as well as his. It was recently announced that both artistes would receive the Order of Distinction for their invaluable contribution to dancehall — a moment of unity that resonated deeply with the crowd.

The event wasn’t only about celebrating dancehall’s finest; it was also a testament to Magnum’s commitment to championing the genre for 25 years. Aligning the brand with the dancehall greats, Magnum Tonic Wine, continues to solidify its presence in the culture, building strong ties with key locations like The Ultimate Dining Nightclub and Lounge in Mandeville.

The event served as another step strengthening relationships with both the community and iconic artistes like Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. 

As the clock ticked past 4:00 am, Bounty Killer’s set, lasting over an hour, left Mandeville buzzing from a night filled with high-energy performances from two of dancehall’s greatest legends, all under the banner of a brand that remains loyal to the heartbeat of Jamaican music.