Members of Grammy Award-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage are pleased to be this year’s Music Icon Award recipients at the Grand Gala today.

“It’s always an honour to be recognised for the work you have done in life. We are grateful for this wonderful occasion and for being honoured as icons,” Mojo Morgan, member of the sibling group told the Jamaica Observer.

Jamaica’s 61st Independence Grand Gala will take place at the National Stadium commencing at 5:30 pm. This year’s theme is ‘Jamaica 61…Proud and Strong’.

Adding that the accolade came as a surprise to the group, Mojo Morgan also said.

He explained that Morgan Heritage’s rich legacy is grounded in morals.

“It first starts with the love and respect we have for each other and the fact that we love working together. This mindset and work ethic of togetherness has been instilled in us from a very young age. Give thanks to our parents for blessing us with these teachings which have sustained us till this day, where we now have our new album The Homeland,” he said.

Heralded as the Royal Family of Reggae, the band has released multiple studio albums including Strictly Roots, which won at the 58th annual Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album. With a career spanning two decades and over, Morgan Heritage has worked with numerous multi-Grammy Award-winning artistes and producers across multiple genres of music.

Morgan Mojo is encouraging the younger generation of musicians to ensure that they put their hearts into the craft.

“Love the art, love what the art does for you, and the way it makes you feel. Love the journey… not just the fame and fortune. There’s always ups and downs, and maybe even more downs than ups… but always put Jah first and know that whatever the outcome is, it is his will,” he said.