Badge of Honour for veteran broadcaster Ainsworth ‘Big A’ Higgins

AINSWORTH HIGGINS, better known as ‘Big A’, has been a fixture on Jamaica’s airwaves for close to three and half decades, serving as a broadcaster at IRIE FM in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

For his lifelong commitment to the Jamaican music scene, the renowned radio personality has been awarded the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

He will be presented with his badge during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony, to be held at King’s House on National Heroes Day, October 21.

The recognition by his country comes as a surprise to him, as he shared that he never imagined such an honour would come his way.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I think of being recognised by my country for my contribution. I was not focused on anything outside of me just coming to work and delivering a good show on radio. I just wanted people to enjoy themselves, to party, to laugh, to cry, to express themselves through the music I play,” Higgins indicated.

“I just woke up every day wanting to please the persons that were tuning in. So, to be honoured is really a surprise, but it is also a very humbling experience, for which I am truly grateful,” he added.

From IRIE FM’s earliest days, when the station officially went on air in 1990, Higgins has been there honing his craft and connecting with listeners, as well as promoting the island’s music and culture.

He was part of the training and preparation that helped launch the station to the point where, today, his voice is synonymous with the station’s mission to promote Jamaican music.

Reflecting on his career, Higgins acknowledged that oftentimes, the role that radio announcers, sound system selectors, and other media practitioners play in the development of Jamaican music is overlooked.

He hopes that his award is a step towards shining a brighter light on the people who have spent their lives in service to sharing music with the public.

ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

Higgins currently hosts four diverse programmes on IRIE FM. His shows range from gospel and lovers’ rock on Sundays to roots reggae on Mondays, a mix of genres on Tuesdays, and high-energy dancehall on Saturday nights.

“To be honest, it has been a roller-coaster ride throughout the decades. Ups and downs, but thrilling nevertheless,” he noted.

Higgins has seen reggae and dancehall evolve right before his eyes and has supported many artistes along the way. He takes pride in having contributed to shaping the careers of these talented musicians.

He finds meaning in the connections he has forged with his listeners. He recounted instances where his radio shows have helped people through difficult times, even preventing suicide attempts. These experiences gave him the motivation to continue his work, as it speaks to the unique power of radio.

“When somebody calls you and breaks down and tells you the story of their life and how the music that you play on the radio has helped to soothe them, it gives you a reason to come back. I don’t know if any other medium can do that,” Higgins said.

“I believe that I have been blessed to be able to have saved more than one person from the brink of suicide, or for whatever they are going through. It is a mission that I was called to do, and that mission is being accomplished,” he added.

Higgins’ love for music began in his childhood days and was influenced by his father’s love for the different songs of the time. On Saturdays at his home in Brown’s Town, he would play records for his father and friends.

That early exposure ignited a passion for music, and by the time he reached York Castle High School, Higgins was deeply involved in the school’s music club, expanding his knowledge beyond the records he played at home. He even learnt how to sequence songs for maximum reception from listeners.

He later gained more experience as a DJ in a nightclub and working as head of entertainment in a hotel. The tipping point came when he learnt that a new radio station, IRIE FM, was opening in Ocho Rios. A chance meeting with the station’s general manager led to an opportunity, and 34 years later, Higgins is still on air doing what he loves.

“I think probably my greatest standout moment would be day one, my first official day on air. It was my first experience as a radio announcer, knowing the weight of the position and the magnitude of the job, coupled with the kind of responsibility that you are bestowed with,” Higgins outlined.

“I remember all the butterflies that went through my stomach that day. Nervous would be an understatement as to how I felt, but after getting through that, each day got easier,” he added.

Higgins’ advice to Jamaica’ s future generations: “Stay focused, ignore naysayers, and be prepared for challenges that will test your passion.”