DEEJAY Papa San believes it was only a matter of time before his contribution to Jamaica’s popular music would be recognised.

The former dancehall artiste-cum-religious minister is one of 21 recipients in this year’s Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Awards scheduled for the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, on February 28.

“I expected it. I have been contributing to the music throughout the years. No one can deny that. I was the one who invented the ‘fast-talking’ style, which rappers Twista and Busta Rhymes use. The foundation was set from my secular days,” he told the Jamaica Observer from his Florida home yesterday.

A senior pastor at the non-denominational Open Bible Community Church in Florida, Papa San said he is unsure if he will attend the ceremony which closes Reggae Month.

“I really want to come, but my plate is filled. If I’m not going, I’ll be definitely sending a representative,” he said.

In addition to Papa San, the other JaRIA recipients include: dancehall deejay/gospel act Cleve ‘Stitchie’ Laing; Vincent and Pat Chin, founders of VP Records; Mikey ‘Boo’ Richards; bassist Errol ‘Flabba Holt’ Carter; Ernie Smith; Millie Small; The Gaylads; and Inner Circle.

Posthumous awards will be given to singers John Holt and Hopeton Lewis, both of whom died in 2014, in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the growth of Jamaica’s popular music.

Other awards will be presented to Major Joe Williams for mentorship; producers Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James and Winston ‘Niney’ Holness; and engineers Karl Pitterson and Overton ‘Scientist’ Brown. British disc jockey David Rodigan; songwriter BB Seaton; sound systems Downbeat The Ruler and Youthman Promotion complete the list.

Papa San, whose given name is Tyrone Thompson, started his career on the sound system Stereo Phonic in 1980. He rose quickly through the ranks and later moved to Lee’s Unlimited and then Creation.

“Back in those days, you had to have lyrics to keep up in a dancehall, especially if you were in a clash with another sound [system]. Sometimes, you were there from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am. It was more intense. But now I’m living a better life, a life of truth, a life of purpose,” he said.

San, who migrated to the United States in 2004, said he will be releasing a seven-track EP by mid-year. “It will be called Worship and be out by May or June. It will be a soothing reggae, worship set and will be produced by my son, Tyshane. But before that I’ll drop a couple of singles,” he said. His other albums include My Story (2012) and One Blood (2014).