Gyptian to receive diaspora award

Gyptian has been selected as one of the recipients of the Consulate General of Jamaica's Heritage Awards this year.

The awards were established to recognise outstanding and dedicated service by individuals to the Jamaican community. The award presentation will be held at the offices of the Consulate General in New York on November 5.

"I feel blessed to be given this honour for my work over the years. It is great to be recognised, and I want to thank the organisers for including me this year," said Gyptian, who is known for the reggae classic Serious Times. The Heritage Awards were started in 2013 by former Consul General Herman Lamont.

"Gyptian's music has evolved as he has aged and he still remains a relevant force in reggae and dancehall today. In many ways, Gyptian is a symbol for a generation that is all about breaking down stereotypes. Music has always been big in young people's lives, and Gyptian recognises the important role he plays as a role model and a beacon for Jamaicans seeking inspiration to follow their dreams," said Gyptian's manager, Tameka Reynolds.

Gyptian, whose given name is Windel Edwards, received his musical calling at the age of seven, when he began singing in the church in a small community in King Weston, rural St Andrew. He later moved to Portmore, St Catherine, where his talent was discovered.

Gyptian is known for singles such as Mama Don't Cry and Beautiful Lady. He also released Hold You in the summer of 2010 to much fanfare. The song peaked at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 69 on the Canadian Hot 100. It was later remixed by American rap queen Nicki Minaj.

Hold You was certified gold in the US after achieving sales of 500,000, and certified platinum in the UK after achieving sales of 600,000.