Kingston, Jamaica— Celebrated dancehall star and Grammy Award-winner, Sean Paul, is set to receive a prestigious accolade that celebrates his significant musical contributions — the Entertainer’s Key to New York City. This honor will be bestowed upon him during the Rise Up NYC concert on Saturday, August 24, at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.
In what promises to be a highlight of the event, New York Mayor Eric Adams will present Sean Paul with the Entertainer’s Key, recognizing the artist’s enduring impact and his integral role in promoting Jamaican culture in one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities.
Expressing his gratitude, Sean Paul, born Sean Paul Henriques, said, “I feel honoured to be able to do something that I love and to help take part in my culture and wear the flag in a big city like New York. I’m giving thanks.”
Reflecting on his experiences in New York, the dancehall icon acknowledged the city’s critical role in his career, especially within the dancehall genre. “New York is a very important place for artistes, especially in Dancehall. It’s the first city that I went to that I could do four shows in one night, with all the clubs full.”
Sean Paul further highlighted New York’s status as a melting pot of diverse cultures, noting that Caribbean culture, and Jamaican reggae and dancehall in particular, have a profound presence in the city. “It feels like people are understanding us in a big city, like that is a great feeling. So it feels like we’re connecting. That feels like we are bridging the gap between the cultures and The States. NYC is an iconic city and I feel iconic,” he said.
Sean Paul has cemented his status as a global musical maestro, known for his infectious rhythms and chart-topping hits such as “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” and “Gimme The Light.” His music transcends boundaries, connecting artists and listeners from around the world.
The Rise Up NYC concert series, according to its organizers, was created to “unite and uplift the diverse communities across the five boroughs. This annual event features a series of free outdoor concerts showcasing world-class talent and a wide range of music genres.” Sean Paul is among several distinguished awardees in this series, which also includes presentations to Pattie Labelle in Brooklyn, Keith Sweat in Harlem, and Fat Joe in The Bronx.
As the city that never sleeps gears up to celebrate its musical heritage and diverse cultures, the Rise Up NYC event will undoubtedly highlight Sean Paul’s remarkable journey and his contribution to the music scene, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
