IN June, Sanchez bemoaned the fact that, given his many years as a hit-making singer, the Jamaican Government has never recognised his contribution. Today, he is singing a different tune.

He is one of two artistes to be presented with a Jamaica Music Icon Award for his contribution to the popularity of Jamaican music. The occasion is the Grand Gala scheduled for the National Stadium in Kingston on Independence Day, August 6.

Ska legend Derrick Morgan will also be honoured.

Sanchez is pleased with the acknowledgement.

“I am elated. I’m overwhelmed. I would say that this is the greatest gift that anyone can get. I’m over the moon,” he told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

“It’ll do wondrous things for my career. I’m grateful and I’m humbled. Thanks to the Government of Jamaica, the prime minister, and my fans for sticking with me from then. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Sanchez added.

Last month, the veteran artiste said in a media release that despite many years of churning out hit songs, he has never received a national award.

But this week, in an official statement, Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia Grange said: “As a nation, it is important that we celebrate the achievements of our troubadours who have worked tirelessly to help put Jamaica on the world map. Derrick Motgan is one of the elite group of artistes who has dominated from the eras of ska and rocksteady and continues to make an impact to this day. We must always remember that in 1962 Derrick gave us Forward March, a song which celebrates a significant milestone in our history, Jamaica’s Independence from Britain.

“Sanchez has a voice that is incomparable. He has remained on top of his game internationally and it is not surprising that he has excelled in both the secular and the gospel arenas. We are extremely pleased to honour them as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee,” the statement concluded.

Since he exploded on the musical scene in the mid-1980s, Sanchez (whose given name is Kevin Jackson) has racked up a string of hits including Loneliness, Pretty Little Girl, Amazing Grace, Frenzy, and Fall in Love.

His latest single is Goodness of God, which is produced by Raw Vue Music.