Nesbeth, whose My Dream is one of the most acclaimed songs produced in Jamaica in recent years, was honored with the Marcus Garvey Music Award at the annual UNIA Marcus Garvey Awards dinner and ceremony on Wednesday.
The event was held at Somali Court on Lady Musgrave Road, St Andrew. Nesbeth, who flew to the Cayman Islands yesterday for a concert, said he was overwhelmed by the recognition.
“Just the name Marcus Garvey send me in a spiritual mood. Knowing what Mr Garvey stand for and to be getting such a prestigious award that is associated with him means a lot to me. I am completely at a loss for words right now,” he told Splash. Garvey, a giant of the Pan African movement and Harlem Renaissance, died in 1940.
The seventh annual Marcus Garvey Awards dinner and ceremony honors “ordinary” Jamaicans accomplishing “extraordinary” things. In addition to music, awards were also presented in agriculture, arts, business, education, industry, journalism, the social field and trade.
Veteran musician Ibo Cooper of Third World fame was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since its release in October 2015, My Dream has earned several accolades. Early this year, it was recognized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) as Song of the Year. It was also used by the People’s National Party and Jamaica Labor Party leading up to the February 25 General Election to attract young voters.
“I always think of the best as it relates to any material that I have released. But it is one thing thinking about it and to have it happen is another thing. Never have I found myself in such a position; the song has broken musical barriers and it is a wonderful feeling,” said Nesbeth who leaves Monday for shows in the United Kingdom.
—By Simone Morgan-Lindo
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