Dancehall luminary Sean Paul is set to be honoured with the Entertainer’s Key to New York City, a prestigious recognition that highlights his immense contributions to music and culture. The Grammy Award-winning Jamaican superstar will receive the accolade from Mayor Eric Adams during the Rise Up NYC concert series on August 24 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. This honour places Sean Paul among an elite group of artists who have made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of New York City.
For Sean Paul, this recognition is not just an honour but a powerful affirmation of his deep connection to the city. “New York is a very important place for artistes, especially in dancehall,” he remarked. “It’s the first city that I went to that I could do four shows in one night, with all the clubs full.” Sean Paul’s career has been closely intertwined with the vibrant cultural fabric of New York, a city he describes as a melting pot of diverse cultures, with Caribbean music, particularly Jamaican reggae and dancehall, playing a pivotal role. His ability to bridge the gap between these cultures and the broader American audience has made him a true ambassador of Caribbean music on the global stage.
Sean Paul’s illustrious career, marked by chart-topping hits like “Get Busy” and “Temperature,” continues to shine as he remains a dominant force in the music industry. Beyond his individual success, he has been a supportive figure in the dancehall community, recently recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Poetry Festival. As he prepares to receive the Entertainer’s Key to New York City, Sean Paul stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Caribbean culture in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Alongside him, other luminaries such as Patti LaBelle, Keith Sweat, and Fat Joe will also be honoured, underscoring the diverse and rich cultural contributions celebrated in the Rise Up New York concert series.
