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Beres Hammond grateful for honorary degree from UWI

Published:Sunday | November 5, 2023 | 9:42 AMJada Powell/Gleaner Writer
Hugh Beresford Hammond (left) accepts an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies. It was presented by Chancellor Robert Bermudez during the graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Ian Allen
Hugh Beresford Hammond (left) accepts an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies. It was presented by Chancellor Robert Bermudez during the graduation ceremony on Saturday.

King of Lovers Rock, Beres Hammond has stamped his name in The University of the West Indies (UWI) history, having been conferred with an honorary degree, Doctors of Letters, from the institution during its Class of 2023 graduation ceremony on Saturday.

In accepting his award, Hammond ensured to pay homage to those who inspired him, among them Alton Ellis, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke. Diverting from his speech and connecting with the graduates and other attendees, Hammond shared memories of his upbringing and how he got his start in the music business.

As a sweetener, and with encouragement from the crowd, Beres "buss a tune" to which all joined in in good fun.

In speaking with The Gleaner, Beres revealed that, "I'm glad that they could have acknowledged the works after so many years. I never asked them for this but I am grateful. My family is excited for me."

As is his spontaneous nature, he mentioned that, "If you ask me what's next I wouldn't be able to tell you. I never plan things, it just happens- vibes and everything follows in the right place at the right time. I don't sit down and write songs, I just make things happen."

Celebrating an illustrious five-decade journey, Hugh Beresford Hammond, more affectionately referred to as Beres Hammond, has been a source of soothing reggae music transcending generations with his velvety, soulful vocals.

From his early talent show performances to his debut release, The Wanderer, Hammond’s musical tale has flourished into a remarkable career, birthing 22 solo albums. Acknowledging his exceptional contributions to Jamaican music, the Government of Jamaica honored Hammond with the prestigious Order of Jamaica in 2013, recognising his unwavering dedication and unparalleled impact on the industry.

Hammond is among a list of 14 eminent figures honoured by The UWI. Other recipients included Professor E. Dale Abel; Lascelles A. Chin, who was given the award posthumously; Rachel Manley and Audrey Patrice Marks during the Class of 2023 graduation ceremonies.