Dancehall superstar Sean Paul will have an honorary doctorate presented to him at this year’s graduation at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).
UTech announced on Thursday that it will confer Grammy Award-winner Sean Paul Henriques with the Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa (Hon. DLitt) to recognize his phenomenal Dancehall music achievements and contribution to nation-building.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, November 15.
Sean Paul is a former student of UTech, where he was pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. He later focused on his Dancehall career.
However, he chose to pursue music before instead of completing his studies.
This decision led him to become one of the most awarded musicians from Jamaica. His accolades range from Grammy winner and a Soul Train Award to a BET award, many for his contributions to Dancehall.
“His album successes and live performances have brought him fame and fortune. He is the first Jamaican artist to perform in Kazakhstan and Madagascar. Additionally, Sean has performed in over 100 other countries, further solidifying his global impact, ” UTech said.
Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel and Cardi B: An Exciting Upcoming Collaboration.
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel is on the brink of an exciting collaboration with American rapper Cardi B! The charismatic rapper has openly expressed her desire to team up with Dancehall’s greatest icon, Vybz Kartel. She has called on renowned Jamaican producer Rvssian to help bring this thrilling project to life.
During a recent Instagram Live session, Cardi enthusiastically urged, “Rvssian, I heard Vybz Kartel wants to do a song with me. You need to cook up the best song for us. You need to cook it up!” Rvssian quickly responded with encouragement, saying, “I got you.”
In another live session, Cardi B shared her genuine admiration for Kartel. Exclaimed, “I want to make the most perfect, beautiful, amazing song with Vybz Kartel, a Dancehall legend. He’s my favorite artist; he’s my number-one artist. My favorite artist in the whole wide world.” It’s heartwarming to see such appreciation for talent!
In a candid 2022 interview with Angela Yee on her Lip Service podcast, Cardi revealed a bit of hesitation about stepping into Dancehall. At the time, she said, “I’m really nervous to do something like that.” However, she also acknowledged the natural connection to the genre. Despite her first concerns, Cardi has formerly embraced Caribbean-influenced music.
She collaborated with Konshens and Hoodcelebrityy on the vibrant 2017 track Back It Up, featured on her Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 mixtape. Later that same year, she teamed up with Hoodcelebrityy again for the lively track Island Girls. In 2022, her dynamic Hot Sh*t collaboration with Kanye West and Lil Durk even credited the legendary Bunny Wailer for its sample of Marcia Griffiths’ Electric Boogie. Since then, she’s kept dancehall influences in her music.
Cardi conveyed to Yee that authenticity is vital to her musical endeavors. “It’s just like, when you are out of your lane, it’s just like ugh, and I want it to be real—like raw. I don’t want it to be forced or mainstream-ish,” she expressed, highlighting her commitment to genuine artistry in Dancehall collaborations.
Rvssian, who leads Head Concussion Records and Rich Immigrants (a partnership with Interscope Records), has previously collaborated with Kartel on hit tracks like Straight Jeans and Fitted (2010), Get Gal (2011), New Jordans (2014), and the recent Sixteen (2023). His impressive portfolio also includes Writing On The Wall, a vibrant track featuring Cardi B alongside Post Malone, making a significant mark in the Dancehall scene.
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