Dancehall legends Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis and Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price are among 150 Jamaicans receiving national honours for 2024, announced on Independence Day. These prestigious awards will be presented on Heroes Day in October.

Also making the list are veteran entertainers Nadine Sutherland and Glendon Orville ‘Admiral Bailey’ Bailey, recognized for their significant contributions to Jamaican music.

The public has long advocated for Beenie Man and Bounty Killer to be honored for their impact on Jamaican music. This call became more prominent last year after Wayne Marshall was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of officer, with some feeling that other local artists deserved the accolade more. Both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer will receive the OD in the rank of officer for their contributions to the development of Jamaican dancehall music.

Beenie Man, known as the ‘King of the Dancehall’, began showcasing his musical talent at just five years old. He gained prominence after winning the Tastee Talent Contest in 1981 and released his debut album, The Invincible Beenie Man: The Ten-Year-Old DJ Wonder, in 1983. His eighth studio album, The Many Moods of Moses, released in 1997, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album in 1999. His well-known hits include ‘Who Am I’, ‘Girls Dem Sugar’, and ‘Rum & Redbull’.

Bounty Killer, often dubbed the “poor people’s governor” for his socially conscious lyrics, rose to fame in the early 1990s. His distinctive voice and impactful music have been influential in dancehall. Notably, he featured on No Doubt’s 2001 single, ‘Hey Baby’, which achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.

Nadine Sutherland and Admiral Bailey will also receive the OD in the rank of officer for their contributions to Jamaican music. Sutherland, who celebrated 45 years in the industry earlier this year, was signed by Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Label as a young talent and has hits like ‘Action’ and ‘Babyface’. She also holds a Master’s in Cultural Studies from The University of the West Indies and has lectured abroad.

Admiral Bailey, a prominent figure in the dancehall scene of the 1980s, first gained attention with his hit singles and distinctive military style. His popular tracks include ‘One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer’ and ‘Politician’. His debut album, Kill Them With It, was released in 1987.

Additional honorees include Dr. Curtis Watson for his contributions to music and international performances, and veteran actress Audrey Reid for her impact on the local film industry.