Kamila’s Kitchen on Harbour Street in downtown Kingston buzzed with excitement on Wednesday night as scores of industry professionals and government officials turned up for the official media launch of Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion concert.

If the packed venue were any indication, Sabina Park will be overflowing with patrons come October 19 as the entertainer celebrates his milestone 30th anniversary in music in fine style.

As the proceedings unfolded, stories flowed not just about the entertainer’s ability to create musical masterpieces, but also of his outstanding humanitarian side. By the end of the night, it was undeniable that the man born Miguel Collins was loved and respected.

Outlining the importance of recognising the contributions of the country’s musical icons when they are alive to receive it, Tamiann Johnson of Cur8ting Global, the force behind Rise to the Occasion, said Sizzla’s contributions to the island’s cultural development must not go unnoticed, especially after giving selflessly for the past three decades.

“Being a fan isn’t enough. After seeing how many legendary artistes pour their sweat and tears into our industry to earn global recognition and are still overlooked, I decided to be part of the solution, and so did my team,” she said. “Sizzla received the keys to the city of Lauderhill just a couple of weeks ago, and celebrations started unlocking globally. Our mission is to celebrate Sizzla’s 30 years in music; his resistance, legacy, and ability to rise to the occasion. Thank you for your dedication and music that heals broken hearts and ignites souls.”

Speaking of the music that heals, the launch saw many touching moments, but one in particular stole the spotlight. As Sizzla’s attorney, Charmian Rhoden, read a letter penned by a cancer survivor, the audience heard how the singer’s music gave the terminally ill patient the will to live. The man, now 36, revealed that he was only 15 when he was diagnosed with cancer and was given a short time to live. He expressed that, after finding solace in the singer’s catalogue, he was touched when the entertainer heard of his situation and recorded a special dubplate for him. He expressed that the dubplate became his fuel on hard days as he underwent rigorous chemotherapy and shared that Sizzla’s gesture helped him beat cancer and is now a father and deejay.

Following up with a story of his own, Prime Minister Andrew Holness also shared how the entertainer’s music became a source of encouragement during a difficult decision-making period. Outlining that he first encountered Sizzla at a Reggae Sumfest staging years ago, Holness said he has always been a fan. He then went on to share how Sizzla’s
Rise to the Occasion became a personal anthem that pushed him towards his purpose as a politician.

“In 2011 I had a big decision to make in my life, and one morning I was contemplating and this song came on, ‘Rise to the Occasion, look at yourself…no one can stop you. That song was the inspiration for me to step forward to become the leader of my political party and eventually to become prime minister. It was that song that inspired me,” he said. “There were times when I had difficult situations, and you have to psych yourself up. Some people use all kinds of means to psych themselves up; I listen to Sizzla. So I just came here to say to you that you wouldn’t always know the details of the power of your music. Your attorney read a letter from someone who was inspired to live, and I may have to pen you such a letter as well, but I just wanted to tell you personally that you have inspired me.”

Describing Sizzla as someone who “speaks truth, defends the marginalised, and stood firm in moments when standing alone was the only choice”, Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Grange also saluted Sizzla for his 30-year contribution to Jamaica’s music industry.

“Tonight I want to wish you continued success, blessings, and I’m looking forward to October 19. That’s during Heritage Week, and you have timed your 30th anniversary performance well. You can always depend on me; my support is there for you,” she said. “There are many great artistes in Jamaica, but Sizzla is special. He carries his greatness with great humility, and that is what I admire most about him.”

Minister of Finance Fayval Williams, who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew Eastern, in which Sizzla’s hometown of August Town is located, also chimed in on the praises.

“If you know the geography of St Andrew Eastern, August Town is in the middle of it, and if you go into August Town, Sizzla is in the middle of August Town. He is an enduring figure in the community, and he is looked up to and contributes in ways you cannot imagine. And so tonight I want to say, on behalf of all the residents in August Town, congratulations on 30 years. That does not come easy, and so we have to celebrate with you. We look forward to your show that’s coming up.”

From left: Sizzla; Kadechah Henry, brand marketing coordinator for Boom energy drink; and fellow reggae artiste Turbulence at the media launch for Sizzla’s 30th anniversary concert. The launch was held at Kamila’s Kitchen on Harbour Street in downtown Kingston. The concert, Rise to the Occasion, is set for October 19. (Naphtali Junior)

Sizzla and Kamila McDonald, proprietor of Kamila’s Kitchen, at the media launch for Sizzla’s 30th anniversary concert. (Naphtali Junior)

Minister of Finance Fayval Williams (left), who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew Eastern in which Sizzla’s hometown of August Town is located, attends the entertainer’s media launch for his October 19 concert Rise to the Occasion. Also in attendance was Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Grange. (Naphtali Junior)

Sizzla shakes hands with Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the media launch for his October 19 concert, Rise to the Occasion. The event is slated to be a celebration of Sizzla’s 30th anniversary in music. (Naphtali Junior)

Sizzla performs during the media launch for his October 19 concert, Rise to the Occasion. (Naphtali Junior)