KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nigel Hector, better known as dancehall artiste ‘Nigy Boy,’ received a standing ovation during a session of the New York State Assembly on Tuesday, May 7, where he was invited as a special guest.

Introduced to the assembly by Caribbean-American assembly member Alicia Hyndman, Nigy Boy was lauded for his work as an intern with Hyndman.

Taking the floor, Hyndman said, “He’s been my intern and he hails from Springfield Gardens, Queens. So while we have him here, I’d like to introduce him. He’s a reggae superstar, and most weekends, he could be in Guyana, Jamaica, Bahamas.”

Hyndman highlighted Nigy Boy’s over 550,000 followers on Instagram, more than 233,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and, as of last week, over 160,000 streams for his newest song ‘Judgement’ on Spotify.

“I’d like you to please give him the cordialities of the House while we have him, Mr Speaker,” Hyndman said.

House Speaker Carl Heastie extended a warm welcome to Nigy Boy and thanked him for his contributions to music and the arts.

“Thank you for your incredible contribution to music and the arts and such an incredible following. Also, we look forward to hearing you at the UBS. Continue your great work and know you’re always welcome here,” House Speaker Heastie said, noting Nigy Boy’s upcoming performance at the UBS Arena in New York on Friday.

Nigy Boy received a standing ovation and a round of applause from the state assembly members.

Nigy’s catalogue of songs includes “Judgement,” “Continent,” “Waterfalls” (featuring Mr Vegas), “You And I,” “Lover Not A Fighter,” and “Superwoman.”