Gospel singer Kevin Downswell and reggae songbird Etana are among the eight members of Jamaica’s entertainment industry who have been inducted into the Order of Distinction.
Both have been conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer — Downswell for his contribution to gospel music locally and internationally, and Etana, whose given name is Shauna McKenzie, for her contribution to reggae music.
They are joined by Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne, for his contribution to Jamaican music in the area of production; Owen Franklin George ‘Count Owen’ Emanuel, for his role in the development of Jamaican popular music, including ska, mento, and rocksteady; and Dr Lenora Antonette ‘L’Antoinette’ Stines, for her contribution to the arts, specifically dance.
POSTHUMOUS HONOUR FOR GARNET SILK
A forerunner of ’90s conscious reggae, Garnet Silk will be posthumously inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer for his contribution to reggae music. Known for tracks such as Hello Africa, It’s Growing, Zion in a Vision, and the emotive tribute to his mother, Mama, the powerful Rastafari entertainer, often referred to as ‘The Silky One’, died in a fire in 1994, along with his mother, Etega Gray.
Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James, the record producer, studio engineer, and talent scout who boasts more than 150 albums in his catalogue, will be upgraded from officer to commander of the Order of Distinction for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s music industry and innovation in reggae and dancehall.
King Jammy began his musical career at King Tubby’s recording studio in Waterhouse and, by the 1980s, had become one of the most influential producers in dancehall music. His biggest hit came in 1985 with Under Me Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith, featuring an entirely digital rhythm hook.
Many credit the track as the first “digital rhythm” in reggae, marking the beginning of the modern dancehall era.
He was first inducted into the Order of Distinction in 2006 in the rank of officer for his contribution to the music industry.
Prolific poet and prize-winning author Olive Senior, Poet Laureate of Jamaica from 2021 to 2024, has also been conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of commander for outstanding service and contribution to the field of literary arts.
A total of 141 honours and awards will be presented at this year’s National Honours and Awards ceremony in October.
