Sean Paul Says Marcus Garvey Inspires Him

In light of Jamaica’s 54th annual Heroes’ Day celebrations, Dancehall megastar Sean Paul says the country’s first National Hero, The Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey inspires him.

The Temperature singer made the declaration on Instagram earlier today as the nation pauses to recognise heroes for their contributions to nation building.

“ 🇯🇲 BLESSED #HEROESDAY 🇯🇲 2 ALL MY YARD PEOPLE!!! TELL ME WHOS COURAGE INSPIRES U?! ILL START WITH MY FAVE #NationalHero… MARCUS GARVEY!”

Celebrated by Rastafarians as a prophet, Garvey was a leader of the Pan-Africanism movement and inspired the songs of numerous Reggae artists throughout the years, among them Burning Spear, Fred Locks, and even Bob Marley.

More than 120 Jamaicans were recognised today at the 2023 National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House in St Andrew earlier today. This included Wayne Marshall who was bestowed with the Order of Distinction, Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths who received the Order of Jamaica, the fourth highest honour in the nation and Tarrus Riley who received the Order of Distinction. 

Marshall expressed gratitude at the honour via social media. The singer whose real name is Wayne Mitchell was pictured with members of his family including wife Tami Chin-Mitchell on the lawns of King’s House following the ceremony. 

“Honoured and humbled receiving the National Order of Distinction on this Heroes Day! Grateful for this incredible recognition of my contribution to Dancehall/Reggae and our beloved nation’s music culture,” he said in an Instagram post.

“This award is for my family who have supported me throughout the years, every producer, supporter, and fellow artist who believed in me. I can’t thank you enough.”

Over on his page, Riley was equally enthused to have received the national award. 

“National Order of Distinction on Hero’s Day! 🇯🇲 Feels incredible to make my loved ones proud! Feels amazing to be recognized for musical contribution. I put my HEART n SOUL into my craft,” he began in his miniature speech.

“I received this honor today yet I do not stand alone n COULD NOT be there without the special ones in my CORNER daily thru life’s journey… LOVE YOU I hope this can be a motivation and inspiration for us all…”

To top off the day’s festivities, Reggae singer Julian Marley, who is vying for the Best Reggae Album Grammy next year with the Colors of Royal project also sent wishes to his fans via Instagram.

Last year, singer-songwriter Agent Sasco was the recipient of the Order of Distinction.