It has been said that the highest purpose of art is to inspire. The Government and people of Jamaica, and the minister of culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, have acknowledged musician Willie Stewart for his exemplary work in Jamaican music industry. He was recently granted the National Honour, the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD), for his outstanding service.
“It is a testament and truly a blessing to my origins with the famed Third World Band. And of equal importance, it acknowledges my work in the diaspora community through the cultural advocacy in music with children and exposing our Jamaican culture,” Stewart said in a thank you note.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Willie Stewart’s musical journey began back in 1997, in the United Kingdom, where he studied and graduated as a music facilitator. In 2000, he left the UK to Florida, where he started working with at-risk youth, establishing percussion and music programmes to empower, motivate and inspire South Florida youth.
This led Stewart to develop a ‘Rhythms of Africa’ programme in 2010, with the wonderful support of then consul general, Sandra Grant Griffiths, now ambassador, and continued support from the present consul general, Oliver Mair. “Special thanks to Cheryl Wynter, staff at the Consulate. I must thank my amazing wife, Carol, and my family for their love and unwavering support,” he added.
Grateful to be the first Jamaican to win the 2010 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Grant, Stewart was also a recipient of the Luminary Award of the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami, at the awards event commemorating Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. “I would like to thank attorney Marlon Hill for his assistance in establishing our non-profit, and to Raymond and Stephanie Azan, and June Minto for their continued guidance. Thanks to our Rhythms of Africa titled sponsor, Jamaica Tourist Board, and to all our community partners, with special mention to Meredith Porte, Barry Fishman and Starr Porter,” he shared.
He also thanked board members and CEO of the Embrace Music Foundation, a 501c3 Broward-based non-profit; to the Rhythms of Africa team of musicians, artistes, dancers, marketing, video, photographers, social media, art designing and stage decor personnel, and the incredible technical and road crew members, the students, the grantors, donors, sponsors, supporters, friends, fans and well-wishers. “A big up to Willie Stewart & Friends for the chance to perform, create, record, and share music. I must give big thanks to Visons, Inner Circle and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires for the musical experience as a youth.”
Stewart gave heartiest congratulations to his fellow honourees, including Mayor Hazel Rogers, Manley Augustus Buchanan (Big Youth), Keith Lyn, and other honourees. “I am truly humbled and grateful and give God the glory to be awarded this prestigious honour by the Jamaican Government. It is always a great feeling to be recognised by my country, the land I love.” He continued, “As a musician, I know the power and value of sharing our rich musical heritage, especially as Jamaica reflects so much of its culture through this art form. And to be recognised for doing what I love is a true blessing. I’m proud to be a Jamaican both home and abroad. Thank you, Jamaica, the heartbeat of the world.”