Garnet Silk, the inspirational singer who died in December 1994, has been awarded the Order of Distinction, Jamaica’s sixth-highest honor. His family will receive the badge during the National Honors and Awards in Kingston in October. Silk, who was 28, perished in a fire at his mother’s home in Manchester parish, southern Jamaica. She also died in that incident.
The Rastafarian artist, who was from Manchester, is known for culturally strong songs such as ‘Lion Heart’, ‘Zion in A Vision’, ‘It’s Growing’ and ‘Love Is the Answer’. Those are some of the singles that helped revive roots content in dancehall during the 1990s, when other Rastafarian acts like Tony Rebel, Everton Blender and Yasus Afari emerged.
Also receiving an OD (Officer Class) is Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, best known as a member of the production duo, Steely and Clevie. They produced some of the biggest dancehall songs of the 1980s and 1990s including ‘Sweet Reggae Music’ by Nitty Gritty, ‘You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No’) by Dawn Penn and Garnet Silk’s ‘Love Is the Answer’.
Legendary producer, Lloyd “King Jammy” James, was awarded the OD (Commander Class), an upgrade from the Officer Class he received in 2007. James produced countless hit singles from his recording studio in Waterhouse, Kingston including ‘Under mi Sleng Teng’ by Wayne Smith, ‘Big Belly Man’ by Admiral Bailey, ‘Bandelero’ by Pinchers and ‘Buddy Bye’ by Johnny Osbourne.
Etana and gospel singer Kevin Downswell will also receive the OD.
