Beres Hammond, the celebrated reggae icon, radiated joy as he received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from The University of the West Indies (UWI). With humility and a touch of humour, he quipped, “I feel good,” echoing the title of his 2008 hit song. This honour, he mused, made him feel that his decades-long musical journey had indeed been worthwhile. Amid the ceremony, he energized the audience with a live rendition of “Rockaway,” a cherished track among his fans.
In a spontaneous departure from his prepared speech, Dr. Hammond shared his musical inspirations, drawing from legendary figures such as Alton Ellis, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding. He expressed gratitude to dignitaries like Minister Olivia Grange and his dedicated fans who have supported him throughout his remarkable 50-year career. His words resonated with sincerity as he recalled his humble beginnings and the songs that had grown into cherished hits with the help of his dedicated audience.
Speaking with members of the media fraternity after the ceremony about the secret to his longevity in the music industry, Beres Hammond’s answer was profound in its simplicity. His love for music, connection with the ordinary people, and dedication to singing the truth have been the cornerstones of his enduring success. His influence is so profound that other artists affectionately refer to him as ‘The Chairman of the Board.’
In a heartfelt moment, Hammond also paid tribute to the late Michael “Ibo” Cooper, co-founder of Third World, hailing him as a musical genius and a mentor to countless youth in the industry. Lastly, he expressed his condolences for the passing of Gully Bop, acknowledging the artist’s contribution to the music he loved.
With sincerity, Beres Hammond discussed the recent earthquake, describing it as a wake-up call for all, urging individuals to reflect, pray, and give thanks.
