Entertainment Icons Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Nadine Sutherland, and Admiral Bailey Honored with National Awards
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, has announced that Jamaican musical legends Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Nadine Sutherland, and Admiral Bailey will be among the 150 honorees at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards. Each of them will be presented with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) in recognition of their significant contributions to the development of Jamaican music.
In a statement to Observer Online, Minister Grange expressed her pride in honoring these iconic figures who have made a lasting impact on the music industry. She highlighted the achievements of Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, describing them as creative geniuses who have played a key role in the growth of reggae music and dancehall. She also praised Nadine Sutherland for her transformation from a child star to one of the Queens of Reggae and Admiral Bailey for his pioneering work in the dancehall genre.
Grange noted that she has been following the careers of these honorees for years and has previously acknowledged their contributions to Jamaican music. In particular, she mentioned honoring Beenie Man and Bounty Killer with the Reggae Gold Award in 2019 and recognizing them at the annual Grand Gala. She also highlighted Nadine Sutherland’s valuable expertise as a member of her Entertainment Advisory Board and commended Admiral Bailey for his role in shaping the landscape of dancehall music.
The ceremony, originally scheduled to take place at King’s House, has been relocated to the National Indoor Sports Centre due to inclement weather. Despite the change in venue, the event promises to be a memorable occasion as these esteemed artists receive well-deserved recognition for their outstanding achievements in the music industry.
As the awards are presented, Minister Grange expressed her congratulations to the honorees and wished them continued success in their future endeavors. The contributions of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Nadine Sutherland, and Admiral Bailey have not only enriched Jamaican music but have also helped to promote the cultural heritage of Jamaica on a global scale. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists to come, ensuring that their impact on the music industry remains enduring and significant.