KINGSTON, Jamaica — As reggae artiste Sizzla continues to celebrate his milestone 30th anniversary in music, the stories of how his music has uplifted and inspired continue. With songs such as Solid As A Rock, Never See Us Fall and many more, the entertainer has encouraged generations to pursue their dreams relentlessly, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Speaking at the official media launch for the entertainer’s upcoming celebratory concert, Holness shared how Sizzla’s music became a personal anthem that inspired him to pursue his purpose as a politician. Recalling in 2011 when he was on the cusp of greatness, Holness shared that as he contemplated what was easily the biggest decision of his life at the time, it was Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion that became his source of inspiration.

“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.

He continued, “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.”

Outlining that as the Caribbean’s musical hub, Jamaica produces a plethora of diverse music, Holness praised Sizzla for always curating content that motivates.

“Our music is diverse and it produces a variety, but I would like to say that the music you produce is music with purpose and meaning,” he said as Sizzla looked on. “It is music that will transcend generations, and so it is timeless. The music that you produce deals with subjects that are uplifting, and it is not always the case that we have artistes of your calibre, so I consider you to be a national icon in our music.”

The launch held at Kamila’s Kitchen in downtown Kingston was also supported by the Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia Grange, as well as Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew Eastern, where Sizzla’s hometown of August Town is located. Scores of industry professionals also descended on the venue, indicating that the show on October 19 at Sabina Park will be well supported.