Late Great Reggae Icon Garnett Silk Honoured with Order of Distinction

Legendary reggae icon Garnett Silk honoured with the Order of Distinction for his outstanding contribution to reggae music. “You changed the entire trajectory of music in the ’90s,” shared his daughter, Arrayma Athena

Garnett Silk honoured with Order of Distinction for contribution to reggae music

Legendary reggae icon Garnett Silk will be posthumously honoured with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s reggae music legacy.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, made the announcement on Sunday. “Congratulations to Mr. Garnett Damion ‘Garnett Silk’ Smith, OD, posthumously honoured with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer for his contribution to reggae music,” the official statement read.

His daughter, Arrayma Athena, later shared a heartfelt tribute on her X account, writing, “Daddy, you truly deserve this. You changed the entire trajectory of music in the ’90s at a time when everyone was singing and deejaying about slackness, you chose to sing about love and God. Three decades later, your name still commands respect, moves hearts, and impacts lives.”

Silk, regarded as one of the greatest voices in reggae history, tragically passed away in December 1994 while attempting to save his mother from their burning home. He was just 28 years old.

Known for his silky-smooth, unique vocals and spiritually uplifting songs such as “Love Is the Answer,” “Mama,” “It’s Growing,” and “Splashing Dashing,” Garnett Silk remains one of the most beloved and influential artists in Jamaican music. His timeless messages of love, faith, and unity continue to inspire generations and uphold the essence of the island’s conscious roots sound.