Musicians and cultural icons are among the recipients of Jamaica’s 2025 national honours and awards, with gospel singer Kevin Downswell, reggae vocalist Etana, and posthumous honouree Garnet Silk receiving national recognition for their contributions to Jamaican music.
Downswell and Etana, whose given name is Shauna McKenzie, have been inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD). Downswell is recognised for his contribution to gospel music both locally and internationally, while Etana receives the award for her work in reggae.
They are joined by several other figures in the music and performing arts. Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, known for his work as a producer and musician, and Owen “Count Owen” Emanuel, who helped shape early Jamaican genres including ska, mento, and rocksteady, also receive the OD. Dr Lenora “L’Antoinette” Stines has been recognised for her longstanding work in dance and the performing arts.
Garnet Silk, the Rastafari singer known for emotive anthems such as Hello Africa and Mama, is being posthumously awarded the OD. He died in 1994, alongside his mother, in a fire that cut short a promising career. His induction acknowledges his impact on ’90s conscious reggae and the emotional depth of his songwriting.
Lloyd “King Jammy” James will be upgraded from Officer to Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) this year. A studio engineer and prolific producer credited with launching the digital era of dancehall through the 1985 hit Under Me Sleng Teng, King Jammy’s catalogue includes more than 150 albums. He was first awarded the OD in 2006 for his contributions to the music industry.
Also receiving the CD is prolific writer Olive Senior, who served as Jamaica’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2024. She is being honoured for her outstanding contribution to the field of literary arts.
The national honours will be presented on National Heroes Day, October 20.
