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Jamaica’s music heavyweights in Reggae and Dancehall were honoured stage at today’s (April 19) 2026 National Honours and Awards at King’s House.
Guitar legend Earl “Chinna” Smith received the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his contribution to reggae, with classics such as Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibration and Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey among the recordings featuring his work.
Stranger Cole was honoured posthumously with the Order of Distinction, while dancehall star Mr. Vegas, a recording artiste for more than 30 years, also received the Officer Class award.
Producers Robert Livingston and Michael “Mikie” Bennett were also honoured with the Order of Distinction.
Meanwhile, percussionists Norman “Bongo Herman” Davis and Lawrence “Larry” McDonald, Jet Star Records co-founder Carlyle Palmer, and gospel singer Shirley Findley-Willis of The Grace Thrillers received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service.