Dr Sean Paul still a ‘bit in awe’ of UTech honour, his own journey
Urges graduates to ‘dream big’
Published:Monday | November 18, 2024 | 12:09 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
When Dr Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques stood to address the University of Technology (UTech) community last Friday inside the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, his first words were not his instantly recognisable, “Dutty, yeah!” Instead the Grammy Award-winning dancehall artiste, and newly minted Doctor of Letters, said “I’d like to start by giving thanks to the Creator for bringing us together safely today. Can somebody say amen?” The graduates complied.
Earlier this year, in announcing their decision to honour Sean Paul, UTech stated, “In recognition of his phenomenal achievements in music and for his contribution to nation building, UTech, Jamaica will confer Sean Paul Henriques with the Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa (Hon. DLitt) at its graduation ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2024.”
Sean Paul attended the University of Technology, Jamaica – then the College of Arts, Science and Technology – studying hospitality and tourism management – however the call of the music interrupted his studies. Last Friday, Dr Henriques, who said that he was “truly humbled” to accept this prestigious award and also a little bit “in awe”came with a well articulated message to the graduates: Dream big.
“I’m standing here today, in awe of myself. When you receive an honour like this, naturally you look back at where you started. I can’t help but reflect on my journey, and yes, even I feel a bit in awe. For me, it’s been almost 30 years of unexpected twists and amazing experiences. None of it was planned exactly; it was all dreamed. And, I want to encourage you all to dream big,” the American Music Award, MOBO Awards, Soul Train Awards, MTV Music Awards, ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, a Source Award, and BET Award winner told his audience last Friday.
He had quite a bit to say about dreams and dreaming, and summed it up by urging the graduates to “make sure your dreams don’t harm others or weigh [others] down”.
EMBRACE CHANGE
“Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and remember that things will change – embrace those changes but never forget your roots. One day, like me, you’ll look back and be in awe of your journey,” he said.
Reminiscing on his own dream to be an entertainer and producer, he spoke from the heart about his mother struggling to raise two sons alone while his father was in prison.
“I couldn’t just follow my passion if it meant burdening her. I had to contribute. I had to find balance,” Sean Paul said.
His journey led him to CAST where he wanted to study architecture, but didn’t have the required grades, so he enrolled in hospitality management “with the plan to transfer later”.
“On my first day, I learned there were 80 ladies in my year alone! I thought, ‘This is great! I’ll get to study and be inspired by all these incredible people.’ Plus, I’d learn to cook – a win-win!” he said, still relishing the thought all these years later
“Back then, I saw myself as a blank canvas. I didn’t know what the final picture would look like. But I was committed to giving my best in each moment, knowing that if I didn’t succeed the first time, I’d learn something valuable,” he told the graduating class of 2024.
The entertainment fraternity is celebrating this incredible achievement with Sean Paul and his social media pages are awash with congratulatory messages from his peers in the industry.
Bling Dawg, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Aisha Davis, Bugle, Hector Lewis, and Chi Ching Ching are a few of the artistes who have sent congratulations for Dr Sean Paul.
It was in the year 2000 that Sean Paul’s first album, Stage One, was released. He gained international fame with his second album, Dutty Rock, the following year. It was driven by his Billboard Hot 100 hits Gimmie the Light and Get Busy, both of which have risen to anthemic status in the dancehall.
Sean Paul has distinguished himself as the first Jamaican artiste to perform in Kazakhstan and Madagascar, and, according to his bio, he “has collaborated across genres like EDM, soca, pop, Afrobeats, and Latin, building a substantial fan base in Latin America, Japan, Europe, and the USA”.
Among his collaborators are Busta Rhymes, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Blu Cantrell, Alexis Jordan, The Saturdays, Fuse ODG, Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Juicy J, 2Chainz, and Nicki Minaj.
In 2019, the Jamaican Government awarded Sean Paul the Order of Distinction for his contribution to the global popularity and promotion of reggae music.