Chinna Smith, Mr Vegas and Bongo Herman among musicians given Jamaica's national honours on Heroes Day
The guitarist on Bob Marley's records, a dancehall star of three decades and a drummer who played for Haile Selassie: Jamaica thanked the people behind reggae's sound.
Three of the musicians behind reggae's sound were honoured by Jamaica on National Heroes Day, Monday 19 October 2026. Guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith and deejay Mr Vegas were named Officers of the Order of Distinction, and percussionist Bongo Herman received the Badge of Honour, at the investiture on the lawns of King's House in Kingston.
The guitar on the records the world knows
Chinna Smith has played on hundreds of albums since the late 1960s. He joined Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1976 for Rastaman Vibration, and his guitar is on Dennis Brown's Westbound Train and on Burning Spear's Marcus Garvey, the album named for the Jamaican who called on Africans everywhere to unite. Later, acoustic sessions on his terrace in St Andrew grew into Inna de Yard, a series that took veteran reggae singers to festivals across Europe.
The honour was announced on 6 August, Jamaica's Independence Day and his 71st birthday.
A deejay who never expected it
Mr Vegas, born Clifford Smith in Kingston, has been making records for more than 30 years, from the late-1990s hit Heads High to Sweet Jamaica, his 2012 album for the island's 50th year of independence. He was honoured for his long contribution to reggae and dancehall, and at the rehearsal he sounded close to disbelief.
“This is just a reflective time for me because I have never dreamt of really being here collecting such a prestigious award.”
Honoured while he can hear the applause
Bongo Herman has been playing hand drums since the early 1960s. He drummed during Emperor Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica in 1966, worked as a session player with The Abyssinians, Jimmy Cliff and The Congos, and appeared in the 1978 film Rockers. His thoughts at King's House went to the friends who had not lived to see their own recognition.
They give them award when dem pass off, now I'm getting one when I'm alive.
Bongo Herman, to the Jamaica Observer
The nine music makers on this year's list
- Order of Distinction (Officer): Earl "Chinna" Smith; Mr Vegas; producer and songwriter Michael "Mikie" Bennett; producer Robert Livingston; and ska singer Stranger Cole, honoured after his death in June
- Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service: Bongo Herman; percussionist Larry McDonald; Carlyle Palmer, co-founder of the London reggae label Jet Star Records; and Shirley Findley-Willis of the gospel group The Grace Thrillers
Frequently asked questions
Who is Earl 'Chinna' Smith?
A Jamaican guitarist, now 71, who played with Bob Marley and the Wailers and on hundreds of reggae albums. He founded the Inna de Yard sessions.
What honour did Mr Vegas receive?
Mr Vegas, born Clifford Smith, was made an Officer of the Order of Distinction for his contribution to reggae and dancehall.
When are Jamaica's national honours presented?
On National Heroes Day in October. In 2026 the ceremony was on Monday 19 October at King's House, Kingston, led by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.
Comments
No comments yet.