Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith leads reggae icons honoured with national awards
KINGSTON, Jamaica-Guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, a pillar of the roots-reggae movement, is one of nine music industry figures recognised by the government of Jamaica in its 2026 National Honours and Awards.
The contributions of approximately 140 people in various fields have been acknowledged this year.
Smith, a prolific session musician, turned 71 on August 6, Jamaica’s Independence Day. He will receive the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for contribution to reggae.
He has played on some of reggae’s seminal songs and albums including Westbound Train and Cassandra by Dennis Brown; War Ina Babylon (Max Romeo); Move Outa Babylon (Johnny Clarke); Rastaman Vibration (Bob Marley); and Marcus Garvey (Burning Spear).
Also receiving the OD (Officer Class) are singer Stranger Cole (posthumously), producers Michael “Mikie” Bennett and Robert Livingston, who played significant roles in the international rise of dancehall music during the 1990s.
Deejay Mr Vegas is also the recipient of the OD (Officer Class).
Stranger Cole, who died in June at age 85, started his career in the early 1960s as a ska singer. When I Call Your Name, Artibela and Bangarang are some of his hit songs.
Bennett, a member of the Home T group, co-wrote and produced major hit songs for Maxi Priest (Temptress); Shabba Ranks (Housecall, Mr Loverman) and Can You (Brian and Tony Gold).
Livingston is credited with steering the early career of Shaggy. He co-produced two of the Grammy-winning deejay’s biggest albums, Boombastic and Hot Shot.
Mr Vegas (real name Clifford Smith) has been a recording artiste for over 30 years. His hit songs include Heads High, Tek wey Yuhself and I Am Blessed.
Percussionists Norman “Bongo Herman” Davis and Lawrence “Larry” McDonald; Carlyle Palmer, co-founder of Jet Star Records in the United Kingdom, and Shirley Findley-Willis of The Grace Thrillers are recipients of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service.
The National Honours and Awards takes place on National Heroes Day on October 19 at Kings House in St Andrew.
-Howard Campbell
