As an emotional Novlyn “Lovey” Banton received the insignia for the Order of Distinction (OD) from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, on behalf of her late spouse Garnet Silk, their four children looked on with pride.

It was the latest award for the roots singer, who died in a fire at his mother’s Manchester home in December 1994.

A leader of reggae’s Rasta renaissance of the 1990s, he was 28 years old.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication or, as we would say, livication to his craft,” said Garnet Alkhem, one of the couple’s two sons. “This signifies the preservation of a strong legacy, ‘cause here we are 30 years later still collecting awards on his behalf. That’s the power of timeless music.”

The 30 year-old Garnet Alkhem (born Garnet Smith) is also a singer who recorded songs previously as Garnet Silk Jr. He and his siblings, Fabian, Arrayma, and Wayzero, accompanied their mother to King’s House on October 20 for the annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.

From Manchester, Garnet Silk recorded over 20 hit songs in a recording career that lasted only four years. It’s Growing, Kingly Character, Splashing Dashing, Love is The Answer, Zion In A Vision, and Mama Africa were some of his songs that helped transform the tone of dancehall to consciousness from slackness and gun lyrics.

Garnet Silk was part of a rural movement that included Tony Rebel, Everton Blender, Kulcha Knox, and Yasus Afari who sparked that roots revival.

Garnet Alkhem, who launched his recording career 10 years ago, said there has always been “a special and intense connection between my father and I, my siblings as well”.

He added that: “From I was in my mother’s womb that connection was always potent, and so I have always had an understanding of my father and his music more than anyone else. The older we get the more we appreciate his music.”

Eight individuals from the entertainment and culture industries received national honours this year. They were led by music producer Lloyd “King Jammys” James, whose OD was upgraded from the rank of Officer to Commander. Musician/producer Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, singers Etana and Kevin Downswell, and pioneer singer Owen Franklin George “Count Owen” Emanuel, received ODs in the rank of Officer.

Dr Lenora L’Antoinette Stines, founder of the L’Acadco dance group, also received the OD for her contribution to the arts.

Hilbert “Berty” Grant, a stalwart of the British reggae scene, received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his contribution to the growth of reggae music internationally.

— Howard Campbell

Lloyd Woodrowe “King Jammys” James (right) was honoured for sterling contribution to Jamaica’s music industry and innovation in reggae and dancehall. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Novlyn Banton accepts the Order of Distinction insignia on behalf of the late Garnet Silk (inset). (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

L’Antoinette Stines shakes hands with Governor General Sir Patrick Allen after being pinned with the Order of Distinction insignia on National Heroes’ Day.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Hilbert Leonard Grant (right), a stalwart of the British reggae scene, receives the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service from Sir Patrick. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Owen Franklin George leaves the dais after being vested into the Order of Distinction. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Cleveland “Clevie” Browne (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Gospel artiste Kevin Downswell poses with reggae artiste Shauna “Etana” McKenzie-Morris after receiving their Order of Distinction insignias on Monday at King’s House.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)