Reggae music was a soundtrack for race riots that erupted throughout the United Kingdom during the 1970s. As West Indians and other minorities fought discrimination, people like Hilbert “Berty” Grant kept them dancing on the sound system circuit.

Grant, who migrated to the UK from Jamaica in 1966, was pivotal to the creation of the lovers’ rock genre.

As a sound engineer and producer, he worked with acts like Sugar Minott, Carroll Thompson, and UB40.

For his “contribution to the growth of reggae music internationally”, Grant has been awarded the Badge of Honour For Meritorious Service by the Jamaican Government.

“I’m feeling very proud and grateful to be recognised for my contribution to the music industry. I’m really grateful, happy, and chuffed,” he said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Grant’s involvement with sound systems in London helped break underground reggae acts in the UK mainstream at a time when glam and punk rock were the rage.

His ties to London ‘sounds’, such as Sir Scorcher and Sir Cosmic, paved the way for him to work with bands like The Cimarons and Winston Reedy, its lead singer.

His big break came in late 1982 when he met Sugar Minott, who was riding high with a cover of Michael Jackson’s Good Thing Going, which peaked at #4 on the British national chart the previous year.

“When I met Sugar Minott, he said, ‘Berty, I have a song that I wrote and would like to introduce to the market.’ The name of that song is Lovers Rock and, after we released it in October 1982, it became a phenomenon,” Grant recalled. “From then all the slow reggae music in the UK became lovers’ rock.”

Grant’s growing reputation caught the attention of UB40, who recruited him as an engineer for their 1989 album
Labor of Love II. He manned the boards for three of that set’s biggest hits — The Way You Do The Things You Do, Here I Am (Come And Take Me), and Kingston Town.

Labor of Love II was a big seller. Here I Am and The Way You Do The Things You Do made the Billboard Top 10 while Kingston Town peaked at #4 in the UK Singles Chart.

“Working with UB40 was a blessing that became the pinnacle and highlight of my career. It brought me to an international level,” said Grant.

He will receive his award in October during the Annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House on Heroes’ Day.