The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus has spotlighted reggae luminary, Beres Hammond, placing him alongside Rita Marley and Jimmy Cliff.
This November, they will collectively represent a triad of music legends, each honored with UWI honorary degrees.
Between November 3 and 4, the UWI’s esteemed graduation ceremony at the Mona Campus in Kingston will unfold.
Hugh Beresford Hammond, O.J., is set to be one of four Jamaicans presented with honorary degrees.
The remaining laureates comprise the late entrepreneur Lascelles Chin, Ambassador Audrey Marks, and academic virtuoso, Professor E. Dale Abel.
Why Beres Hammond?
Recognizing his remarkable contribution to the Jamaican music scene, UWI acknowledged Hammond’s captivating “smoky-sweet voice” that has regaled audiences over his expansive five-decade journey.
His musical odyssey spans from his dynamic performances with the 1970s fusion band ‘Zap Pow’ to the rhythmic cadences of his 1985 dancehall sensation, “What One Dance Can Do.”
Musical milestones
Diving deeper into his artistic saga, the UWI release chronicled Hammond’s progression from humble talent show performances to his first musical debut, “The Wanderer”.
To date, this reggae stalwart boasts an impressive discography, encapsulating 22 solo albums.
Praising his unparalleled dedication, UWI shed light on his unique compositional style, emphasizing his consistent focus on sound quality. This very trait magnetizes Jamaica’s musical elites to his home studio.
2002’s “Music Is Life” stands out in his glittering career. Nominated for a Grammy for ‘Best Reggae Album’, it showcased two of Hammond’s most cherished tracks: “Rock Away” and “They Gonna Talk”.
January 1, 2023, marked another milestone when he collaborated with the celebrated Buju Banton, staging one of Jamaica’s monumental live concerts at Plantation Cove, St. Ann.
More on Beres Hammond
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- Reggae Legend Beres Hammond Spreads Love From A Distance
- Beres Hammond Embarks on Summer 2019 “Never Ending” Tour
Echelons of excellence
In 2015, Rita Marley, a crucial figure in the reggae universe and Bob Marley’s widow was also recognized with a UWI Honorary Doctor of Letters.
Her multifaceted roles – from singer to entrepreneur – have been integral to amplifying Brand Jamaica on the global front. Jimmy Cliff, another reggae sensation, similarly received the university’s coveted recognition.
Marking 75 years of UWI’s legacy
This honorary tradition aligns with UWI’s 75th jubilee celebrations.
Through this gesture, the university celebrates luminaries like Hammond for their profound impact on communities and broader societies. This year’s ceremony will serve as a rite of passage for hundreds of graduating students across the UWI’s expansive campus network.
An odyssey of accolades
Beres Hammond’s recognition by UWI is the latest in an extensive series of accolades.
In 2013, the Jamaican Government honored him with the Order of Jamaica.
Fast forward a decade, and Brooklyn’s Councilwoman, Yvette Clarke, celebrated his musical genius in New York.
Recently, in August 2023, the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center in Atlanta, Georgia, lauded his soulful contributions to music.
The Elite Icon Award by the Caribbean Music Awards is the freshest feather in an already illustrious cap.
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