He mimicked reggae deejays. And although his stylee was basic black and white, a wide-brimmed hat and toned down trim, the only difference between many of the leading deejays out of Jamaica and the Queens resident was that the Bwoy could not venture out on any given weekend from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.

Benny Bwoy is a dedicated Lubavitcher. Devoted to his religion, he is also passionate about reggae. He can toast in Hebrew. Rhyme the Torah. And can command the stage with the best of them. He gives big props to Jamaican names, Buju Banton, Capleton, and many of the better known reggae achievers of the genre. Benny Bwoy has performed in Israel, and all over New York.

But what happened to Benny Bwoy over the decade seems to be fodder for the emergence of a new name. The forerunner took hiatus in order to focus on family. That brief respite rooted a newcomer whose conversion to orthodoxy is a mere two years. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Matisyahu lived in California before settling with his parents in White Plains, New York.

Those restless years found him wearing dreadlocks, rebellious, and resistant to religion. How all that changed is attributed to his constant search for his place in the society.He got an inkling about his purpose when he went west to Colorado. There he thought he discovered a higher being. The enlightenment made him return to New York, his parents and a fresh start.

A second revelation took place when he met an orthodox Jewish individual who encouraged him to religion. From then on it was frequent visits to an upper west side synagogue. The unorthodox, orthodox Carlebach Shul is said to be “hippie-friendly.” The teachings there ultimately moved him to relocate to Crown Heights Brooklyn.

Now 24, Matisyahu has found himself, religion, and his place in the society. He is getting plaudits for parodying Benny Bwoy’s pioneering act. Now signed to JDub Records, the reggae disciple considers himself a “cross between Bob Marley and Shlomo Carlebach.” His aim is to “influence Jews” and probably incorporate some religion into his compositions.

His latest CD, “Shake Off The Dust, Arise Now!” combines praise for both Godliness and Robert Nesta Marley. Recently booked into BB Kings in Manhattan, Matisyahu has already gone international playing gigs in Canada.

“He has 20 booking coming up,” a music insider noted, “and next week, MIDEM is going to know who the rapping, reggae, Lubavitcher is.” MIDEM is the largest tradeshow for buying and selling music. The marketplace opened in Cannes, France on Jan. 21 and closes on Jan. 27. Matisyahu’s converts intend to spread his gospel throughout Europe, Asia and South America. Maybe that’s where Benny Bwoy neglected. He never attended the annual music confab.

“I did not go anywhere, I am here, and I am ready,” Benny Bwoy said from his destination in Israel. Now that there is competition, perhaps the Grammy people may have to make an addition to the reggae category.