Reggae legend Beres Hammond, who recently received the Elite Icon Award at the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) in Brooklyn, New York, is set to be among the distinguished individuals to receive an honorary degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its upcoming graduation ceremony in November.
The University, celebrating its 75th jubilee this year, has chosen Hammond to be honoured alongside the late renowned businessman Lascelles Chin, Audrey Marks, and Professor E. Dale Abel at its Mona Campus.
According to a statement from the academic institution, “This tradition of conferring honorary degrees recognizes the outstanding contributions made by these individuals to their communities and society as a whole.”
Beres Hammond, who has captivated audiences for over five decades, gained international acclaim with timeless tracks like “Settling Down” and “How Can We Ease the Pain.” Throughout the 1990s, he continued to make an indelible mark with hits like “Tempted to Touch,” “Is This a Sign,” and “Respect to You Baby.” Albums such as “Music Is Life” and “Love Has No Boundaries” showcased his remarkable versatility, leading to him being honoured with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 2013 and receiving a Grammy Award nomination for his album “One Love, One Life.”
Beres Hammond’s enduring influence is evident in his more recent releases, including “Never Ending,” as well as his extensive tours, all of which have solidified his legacy.
As UWI prepares to celebrate its 75th jubilee, Beres Hammond’s contribution to the world of music and his impact on reggae’s global recognition will be celebrated alongside other distinguished honorees at the various UWI campuses.
