Jamaican music stands as a global force, and few have contributed to its power and influence quite like Buju Banton and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor. In recognition of their extraordinary impact on reggae and dancehall, they were honoured with the prestigious Wray & Nephew Cultural Icon Award at the recent Reggae Gold Awards.
Buju Banton, the legendary ‘Gargamel’, has been a defining voice in reggae and dancehall for decades. From his socially conscious anthems to his commanding stage presence, Buju’s music has resonated deeply with fans across the globe.
“This recognition, though for Buju, is also for every artiste, every creative mind, and every Jamaican who has contributed to the rich tapestry of our culture. It is a reminder that our roots, our struggles, our triumphs, and our voices have power. It is a celebration of our music, our language, our spirit,” shared Jodie Ann Myrie, daughter of Buju.
She added: “His music has touched the hearts of millions across the globe, and his message has always been one of empowerment, unity, and a call to action. As his child, I can speak to the passion and dedication that he has poured into every song, every performance, every word he speaks. This is his legacy, one built on love, faith, and the unshakable belief that our culture is something to be proud of.”
Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, a mastermind behind some of the biggest hits in contemporary dancehall, has transformed the sound of modern Jamaican music. As a true innovator in the dancehall space, the producer, songwriter, and artiste has adopted a multifaceted approach that has shaped the careers of many and taken the genre to new heights.
“It’s always a great feeling receiving any award from home, from Jamaica. Getting an award with such a title is definitely reaffirming that I should continue pushing the work that I am doing and it definitely is a special feeling to know that I can be considered for something of such a high honour so I am super grateful for that,” he said.
While sharing his thoughts on his most impactful project to date, Di Genuis explained, “It’s hard to single out one specific project because I put equal amount of effort into everything that I do. One can only hope that when you put that work in, it will translate in the way that you hope. All of the work is pretty special to me. I would say a lot of the stuff that I do locally that ends up translating to other parts of the world, probably mean a little more because it is closer to home. To see that our culture is resonating is always most important to me, and having an opportunity to wave the flag and carry the flag overseas and carry it elsewhere.”
Di Genius is on a mission to revive dancehall’s ‘riddim’ culture while expanding his global footprint.
“Currently I’m working on a new dancehall riddim trying to bring back the riddim part of the culture — I have a couple of songs from people who I usually collaborate with as well as a lot of the newer artists that are buzzing in the space now, so that’s going to be a good vibe and nice energy to bring in for 2025. I’m also working on projects of my own with both artistes and producers, especially on the international side. I’ve been heavy in the country space and on the urban and Latin America scene, there’s a lot of work coming. I’ve been in the studio consistently.”
Since the inception of the Reggae Gold Award, which is part of Reggae Month, in 2019, the event has recognised artistes, producers, and creatives who have not only achieved commercial success but also enriched reggae’s cultural and social impact worldwide. This year, Wray & Nephew, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), united to strengthen reggae’s enduring legacy.
“Buju Banton and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor have each played an integral role in shaping the sound and spirit of Jamaican music. Their influence is undeniable, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements. Just as reggae has defined generations, so too has Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, a true emblem of our culture, standing proudly alongside the icons of our music,” said Dominic Bell, communications manager at J Wray & Nephew Limited.