Sanchez Says Jamaica Hasn’t Given Him His Flowers After 30 Years In Reggae Music

Reggae star Sanchez says Jamaica hasn’t given him the recognition and respect he deserves.

“I know that the people of Jamaica love my music because everywhere I go they show me a lot of love and support. However, I cannot understand why after 30 years of success my country has never seen it fit to honour me for the work that I’ve done in Reggae music,” Sanchez said.

The Missing You singer, 57, continued “despite the lack of recognition for my work in my homeland I will continue to represent Jamaica wherever I go. God has blessed me with the talent to sing and I will keep on singing for my fans at home and abroad.”

Known as the “man with the golden voice”, Sanchez first started out singing in church—one of his earliest hits was the Christian go-to Amazing Grace.  He has released over 30 albums since his Sweetest Girl debut in 1988.  Four of those albums, Simply Being Me (2000), Stays On My Mind (2002), Now & Forever (2009), and Love You More (2011), entered the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

His soulful love songs and the many covers of R&B and Pop songs have undoubtedly made him one of Jamaica’s best contemporary Reggae singers.  They include I Can’t Wait, Never Dis Di Man, One In A Million, Fall In Love, Baby Can I Hold You Tonight, Loneliness, and Sometimes.

Sanchez recently recorded a cover version of American Gospel singer Jen Johnson’s international Gospel hit, Goodness of God.  “I’ve recorded this song to remind everyone out there to keep giving thanks to God because he’s always there for us especially when we need him the most,” he explained.

He also revealed that he plans to resume touring soon.

“It’s been over two years since I haven’t performed overseas because of the pandemic. Now that things are getting back to some semblance of normalcy, I’m getting ready to start touring and performing for fans all over the world again.”

Produced by the US-based label Raw Vue Music Sanchez’s version of Goodness of God was released on June 3.  The musical accompaniment for the song was provided by a group of top-flight musicians including drummer Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennett. The mixing of the song was done by award-winning studio engineer Delroy “Phatta” Pottinger.