With more than 30 years in the gospel music fraternity, Nadine Blair, broadcaster, actress, author, singer, worship leader, poet, and emcee, has made a significant contribution to the sector.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Late last month she was honoured at the City of Tamarac Pink Heroes Gala at which she received the City of Tamarac Medal of Honour and the Key to the Region — an amalgamation of keys from Florida District 97 Representatives. She also received a Congressional Proclamation.

The honour, which was supported by Commissioner Marlon D Bolton, honours extraordinary women who inspire the world with courage, resilience, and determination.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday, Blair shared her feelings on the recognition.

“I’m humbled. Wow! Still asking, Why me? But in listening to the various presentations I was reminded that we all may not know the times [that] we encourage someone with a word or song. I thank God for even more opportunities to serve, to heal, and to lift people,” said Blair.

She went on to express that her mission is to always be able to serve without expecting returns.

“Do all you can even when no one is looking, and do it unto God. These keys signify not just an honour, but a deeper sense of connection and responsibility to the communities that have welcomed me. They are a profound reminder of the trust and opportunity these cities have extended. More doors and opportunities to serve.”

Blair was brought up a Christian home. Both her parents, the late Bishop Dr Ronald Blair and mother Reverend Dr Evon Blair, lived the example that Nadine would later follow.

“Being a PK [pastor’s kid] comes with benefits and challenges, but I thank God for what I learnt, and these awards are because of the training I received and examples I saw in my parents,” she added.

Her appreciation and love for music began at the age of 10 when she sang in a group.

“I later served as emcee and member of the Jamaican gospel music fraternity all my life. My work at Love 101 FM also opened other doors for me, and out of my love and respect for Jamaica gospel music ministers I started the Jamaica Gospel Music Network. I still liaise, encourage, and inform the members of this network and I am very proud of how far we have come,” said Blair.

The creative person that she is she has been instrumental in the creation of gospel music ensemble Perpetual Praise.

“In 2000 God gave me an idea to start a worship team and event. Two years later I started Perpetual Praise — now Perpetual Sounds of Praise — and over the years we have visited several towns across the island and some places in the US and Caribbean,” she told the Observer.

Some names like Kevin Downswell, Jermaine Edwards, DJ Nicholas, Prodigal Son, Judith Gayle, and so many others served in the group in the early years,” Blair recalled.

Asked to share what she felt was the highlight of her career to date, Blair said: “Serving in Perpetual Praise, hosting conferences, and sharing stage with the greats, [such as] co-emcee with Bobby Jones and being on stage at Gospel Music Week in Nashville, USA. Nothing beats being able to usher people into the presence of Jehovah God and also hearing testimonies from persons whose lives have been affected. To serve is my high!” she said.

Blair studied mass communication at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA, and upon her return to Jamaica in 1993 took a job at Love 101 FM on Valentine’s Day.

“I am now retired from full-time at Love 101 FM
, where I was last serving as programmes manager – operations. I am currently part-time and am grateful for more opportunities to serve in conferences, communities, and churches,” shared Blair.