Recording artiste R Embassida says the recognition of members of the entertainment fraternity by the government has been long overdue.

Recently, Leroy Sibbles, Capleton and Beres Hammond were the recipients of special awards at the Independence Grand Gala which was held at the National Stadium. They were recognised for their contribution to Jamaican music and the impact that their works have had on the international scene.

It was announced almost a week ago that gospel recording artiste and minister Kevin Downswell, Etana, Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne and veteran producer Lloyd “King Jammys” James will receive national awards on Heroes Day.

“I think it’s a positive and long-overdue move. Entertainment — especially reggae, dancehall, and the broader Jamaican cultural arts — has been one of our country’s most powerful exports for decades, shaping global music, influencing fashion, and boosting tourism. Recognising icons like Capleton, Leroy Sibbles, and Beres Hammond while also honoring people like King Jammys, Clevie, Etana, and Kevin Downswell shows the government is acknowledging not just commercial success but also the cultural and historical value of their work,” R Embassida told Observer Online on Tuesday.

He, however, believes that there are many unsung musical heroes, whom he feels should also be recognised for their work and contribution to Jamaican music.

“There are still legendary contributors who haven’t received their flowers on a national stage. People like Sizzla Kalonji for his massive global influence and cultural contributions, Buju Banton for his musical depth and social commentary, and producers like Donovan Germain or Dave Kelly who shaped the sound of entire eras in Jamaican music — they’ve all left legacies that deserve national recognition. If Jamaica is serious about honoring its cultural pillars, the list should keep growing — from veteran musicians and sound system pioneers to the behind-the-scenes engineers and writers who’ve kept our music at the forefront worldwide,” R Embassida reasoned.

R Embassida recently collaborated with dancehall artiste on the song Anada Level.

“Anada Level is a powerful dancehall anthem that blends street grit with motivational fire. It celebrates the relentless hustle of ghetto youth, the importance of staying true, and providing for family. With global shout-outs from Clarendon to Senegal, it delivers a message of unity, resilience, and rising above challenges while keeping the party energy alive,” said R Embassida while sharing the inspiration behind the song.

“Anada Level was inspired by the real-life struggles and triumphs of growing up in the ghetto — seeing my friends and family push through poverty, avoid pitfalls, and build a better life despite the odds. It draws from the pride of providing for loved ones, the unity of the community, and the drive to reach “another level” of success, all while staying grounded in culture and global connections.”

Working with Busy Signal, he said, was like a dream come true for him.

“Collaborating with Busy Signal was a dream come true. He is a cultural icon and a true lyricist in my opinion. It was synergy all the way from meeting up for the first time to recording the song and shooting the official music video. We share the same Aquarius zodiac sign too so we already had a clear understanding and similarities that gave us the right drive and energy to bring Anada Level to life. Busy was never too busy when we called upon him to complete various aspects of this project as he takes his work very serious and that work ethic is admirable,” R Embassida explained.

Released in May, Anada Level was produced by Embassida Music Group and Branchy Records.