“Well deserved” is how the Lady of Dancehall, D’Angel, described the double honour bestowed on her exes Bounty Killer and Beenie Man by the Government of Jamaica.
On Independence Day, the veteran dancehall artistes were both honoured with the Reggae Icon Award at Grand Gala, held at the National Stadium in Kingston. That same day, the list of National Honours and Awards was revealed and it showed that Rodney Basil Price, aka Bounty Killer, and Moses Anthony Davis, aka Beenie Man, have been called to order and can now officially use the initials OD (order of distinction) after their names. Nadine Sutherland and Glendon Orville ‘Admiral Bailey’ Bailey round out the list of entertainers who have been inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for their contribution to Jamaican music.
“Their contribution to dancehall and reggae music is invaluable,” D’Angel, who was previously married to Beenie Man and shares a son with him, told The Gleaner. “I only hope the younger generation of new artistes is taking notes. Great music lives on and will always be rewarded no matter how long it takes.”
D’Angel, whose journey in the music industry has seen her being the only woman to have had relationships with both artistes – at separate times – while at the pinnacle of their careers, shared that on her personal list of “things being completed” is her memoirs.
The singer, model, businesswoman and philanthropist refused to define the book as a “tell-all” or to say whether she will be dropping some never-before-heard truth bombs; however, she emphasised that the volume will be her “true story”.
“The book will be a great sense of relief for me. I want to share my true story with the world and share my journey because I know that it will bring healing and comfort to many,” the Stronger singer said.
Noting that the as-yet-untitled work “will be a very inspirational”, D’Angel, who has tasted adversity and has come out triumphant, said she has no regrets.
“It is all about overcoming. When things were not pretty I never gave up and still stand great in this world. I am working on my album and book and the same time and yes ... definitely new singles and a lot more visuals. Also, I have a number of other projects that I won’t make mention at this time ... let it manifest first,” D’Angel said coyly.