While expressing gratitude for his imminent Order of Distinction honour, Beenie Man is using this opportunity to bat for younger artistes. "Order of Distinction is an incredible honour and a humbling experience. It feels great to be recognised in such a significant way for my contributions to Jamaica.
This award not only acknowledges my hard work, but also inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and giving back to my community. I'm grateful for the support of my fans, family, and everyone who has been part of this journey with me," Beenie Man told THE STAR . "Da award ya motivates mi fi continue use mi platform fi uplift others and contribute positively to society.
This [is a] testament [of] the power of perseverance and passion, and I hope it encourages aspiring artistes to pursue their dreams, knowing that their contributions can be acknowledged and celebrated. Ultimately, this honour reinforces my commitment to Jamaica and the values that we hold dear as a nation," he added. Beenie Man said that receiving this award is "incredibly important" to him, both personally and professionally.
"It represents not just my individual efforts, but also the collective spirit of our vibrant Jamaican culture and the incredible talent that exists within our community. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft over the years, and it serves as a reminder of the impact that music can have in bringing people together and inspiring change," he said. The artiste was named among 150 Jamaicans to receive honours and awards on Heroes Day in October.
"The Order of Distinction (OD) holds immense value for me, both as an individual and as a representative of Jamaica's music community. It serves as a reminder that music plays a vital role in shaping our society, fostering unity, and expressing our unique Jamaican spirit. Receiving an OD carries a responsibility to continue uplifting others and to inspire the next generation of artistes.
It's a call to action to use this recognition to advocate for positive change and to further enrich our cultural landscape," said Beenie Man. While addressing previous comments he made to Culture Minister Olivia Grange, advocating for a national award, he understands that "timing is everything". "Whether it's now or later, recognition is important, but what truly matters is the impact we make along the way.
I believe that every award comes at the right time for a reason, and I'm excited to continue my journey with this honour as motivation to keep pushing forward and uplifting our culture. The journey I've taken in the music industry has been long and filled with challenges, but I've always focused on my passion for creating and sharing music that resonates with people," he said. "My comments regarding Minister Grange were born out of a deep love for our music and a desire to see it celebrated at the highest levels.
And I still need my OJ." He therefore encouraged younger artistes to pursue a path that could lead to national honours and them becoming a better version of themselves. "Stay true to your unique voice and vision; the music industry is vast, and there's space for everyone who brings something genuine to the table.
Also, invest in [your] craft - whether it's honing [your] skills, collaborating with others, or learning about the business side of music, continuous growth is key. Surrounding themselves with a supportive network of mentors and peers can make a significant difference. Awards and honours are wonderful, but the real reward lies in the connections they make and the positive influence they have on others through their music," he said.
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