Shaggy' should get due honour!
published: Thursday | January 23, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I NOTE that The Gleaner recently concluded its Honour Awards for 2002. Many other local awards exist, including a long list of National Honours and Titles which seem to be more political than anything else. I wish to use this medium to make mention of one who has not been honoured enough, reggae superstar, Shaggy.
A very talented musician and artiste, Shaggy is a proud Jamaican who has travelled the world promoting his music, our culture and Jamaica. I've seen him being interviewed on many foreign channels, and I'm always impressed. He is always so eloquent and charismatic, very well dressed and consistent. Many of our other reggae artistes could certainly take a page from his book! Jamaica gains tremendous coverage from his success. His music and videos receive much airplay overseas and yet he seems to receive such little mention or acknowledgement in his own country.
It brings to mind Bob Marley, whose status continues to be much greater outside Jamaica. As part of our national heritage, special effort must be made to ensure that we acknowledge the great and talented among us. It is surely one way to instil a sense of pride in who we are, and what we represent to the world.
