‘Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley deserves every honour’

The announcement that Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley has been named by The University of the West Indies as one of 13 honorees for its 2026 graduation ceremonies has been welcomed wholeheartedly by family and musical friends.

In unveiling the honorees last week, The UWI noted that “the award of these prestigious honorary degrees continues the university’s long-standing tradition of celebrating the region’s most notable luminaries for their contributions to Caribbean life and development”.

Expressing her total delight at this award was Damian’s mother, Cindy Breakspeare.

“The pride that I feel is indescribable,” Breakspeare told The Gleaner, her voice filled with the kind of emotion that only a mother can experience. “I thank the UWI for this amazing recognition and the Jamaican people for their love and support of Damian over the years.”

Breakspeare, who won the Miss World crown for Jamaica 50 years ago this year, shared that well-wishers have been showering her with love.

“I have received so many congratulations from people all over. I know without hesitation that Damian has earned this. I have been in his studio, and I see how hard he works. I am extremely proud,” Jr Gong’s mother said.

Commenting on his music, Breakspeare compared her son to his father, Reggae King Bob Marley.

“He has that same … no similar, there’s only one Bob … quality that he has inherited from his father. His music is timeless, worthwhile, and long-lasting. Welcome to Jamrock, Road to Zion and the list goes on and on … his music has shelf life,” Breakspeare said of the five-time Grammy Award winner.

Music analyst Clyde McKenzie agrees with Cindy Breakspeare that Jr Gong is truly deserving of this accolade.

“I think he is most deserving of this honour. I believe Junior Gong has shown throughout the years that he is a worthy custodian of his father’s awesome legacy and an incredible creator of his own,” McKenzie told The Gleaner.

Music marketer Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards hailed Damian as “ a master of his craft”.

“Damian Marley definitely deserves an honorary doctorate degree, and The UWI is most fitting to give it to Damian because he is Jamaican … he grew up here on the island, and UWI is a prestigious university. Damian has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Jay Z and Bruno Mars. He is a five-time Grammy winner for very positive, uplifting music, and his Welcome To Jamrock Cruise remains one of the most innovative and successful projects in reggae music history,” Edwards stated.

The Fireman, Capleton, who has done projects with both Damian and his brother, Stephen Marley, did not hesitate to speak his mind.

“Damian ‘Jr’ Gong’ Marley … him deserve every award and accolade,” Capleton told The Gleaner as he shared a peek into their musical bond.

“My connection with Junior Gong comes from our deep roots in Rastafari and the preservation of our culture and uplifting music,” Capleton said.

He added, “You know that Damian Marley is on my newest album, Heights of Fire, with a track called Babylon So Evil, which also features Stephen Marley. Our collab, It Was Written, is still one of the biggest songs worldwide in reggae music … and I’m looking forward to performing again this year on his Welcome to Jamrock Cruise.”

Gramps Morgan told The Gleaner that the honour “is brilliant and very well deserved”.

“Damian Marley has a brilliant mind and has been one of the most innovative artistes of our time. I’m happy for him as a little brother, happy for him as an artiste, entrepreneur, businessman, ... but mostly as a Rastaman,” Gramps said.

Damian Marley will be awarded the Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for his contribution to culture. He joins other distinguished honorees in music over the years, among them Jimmy Cliff, Rita Marley, Beres Hammond, Ernie Ranglin, and Monte Blake.

Approved by the University Council, the honorary degrees will be conferred at The UWI’s 2026 graduation ceremonies scheduled to take place between October 10 and November 14.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com