KINGSTON, Jamaica — Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia Grange has commended the Forever 1NE Music Festival as an exciting new initiative and lauded its pioneer and dancehall superstar, Masicka, for his contribution to the industry.

Grange expressed these sentiments when she delivered her guest speaker’s address at the media launch for the festival in Portmore on Monday evening.

“This project from Masicka, who is one of the most dynamic forces on the dancehall scene, is worthy of commendation. It is my pleasure to join you all here for this pivotal moment. First, a big congratulations to Masicka and his team on this important endeavour,” she said.

The Cabinet minister further noted Masicka’s rise in the music business and the willingness of the artiste and his team to play their part in building the industry.

“There are many ways that artistes can help pave the way for the future. One such way is to look beyond their own performances and recordings, and take the initiative to create opportunities that can benefit the wider music industry. This is precisely what Masicka and his team have done with their undertaking of the Forever1NE Music Festival,” Grange said.

The minister said her post offers a vantage point, which allows her the privilege of witnessing the development of Jamaican music across generations.

Grange said she has seen first-hand how Jamaican music grows through the contributions of successive generations of talent.

“We saw this in the pioneers who helped establish reggae as a global cultural force, and in the artistes who carried dancehall into new markets and audiences. Each generation has brought something valuable to our musical heritage. I am pleased to say that this tradition has not died out or been replaced. Masicka represents a generation that has found its own voice, built its own following and is making its presence felt internationally,” the minister said.

She offered major commendations to Masicka on reaching what she described as a milestone in his career of launching an important festival.

The minister noted that not all artistes recognise the importance of creating opportunities, building platforms and contributing to the continued growth of Jamaican music, but said it is clear that there are those, including Masicka, who are leading by example.

“I know you will keep pushing boundaries and remain connected to the people and communities that have supported your journey. Your efforts to create opportunities for your fellow Jamaicans will only further solidify your legacy. To everyone involved, I wish you every success as you prepare for December. It is a tremendous effort and a job well done,” Grange said.