TWO of Jamaica’s premier singers — Sanchez and Derrick Morgan — were the centre of attention at Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee Grand Gala celebrations held at the National Stadium in St Andrew on August 6. They received Music Icon awards for their contribution to the island’s music.

In his acceptance speech, Morgan, who is visually impaired, said the recognition resonates with him after six decades in the music industry.

“This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me at the age of 82 years old. I was waiting for this for a long time and now it comes,” he said, before launching into Forward March (We’re Independent) and The Conqueror.

Morgan was conferred with the Order of Distinction from the Government in 2001.

As for Sanchez, whose given name is Kevin Jackson, this is the most notable recognition he has received from his country.

“It’s my greatest honour yet; my greatest presentation yet. It brought tears to my eyes because it’s long-awaited. I do deserve this,” he told the Jamaica Observer at the time.

“I want to be an ambassador for the country… I wanted to add that during my performance, the acoustics were bouncing all over the place which affected the sound. There should’ve been a stage monitor or something — but I just wanted to point that out to my fans,” he continued.

Sanchez also treated the thousands of screaming patrons to a cameo set consisting of Praise Him and I Love You Lord For Your Mercy Never Fails Me.