Mr Vegas excited to receive OD on Monday

From performing before thousands of people overseas to hearing younger generations embrace his songs, dancehall and reggae artiste, Clifford Smith, popularly known as Mr Vegas, says music has connected him with cultures and audiences across the world.

“Music has taken me around the world… . Music has taken me here,” he told JIS News, reflecting on a career that has taken him from Jamaica to international stages, including performances in Africa, Japan and Kenya.

“Music has placed me before… 40,000 to 50,000 people,” he said, recalling the scale of the audiences for which he has performed. Mr Vegas will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to reggae music, on National Heroes Day on Monday. The national honour has prompted him to reflect on his journey, the influence of music on his life and the lasting relationship he has developed with audiences over the years.

“I was very elated. And I just instantly started reflecting on where I’m coming from… as an individual, as a Jamaican,” he said of learning about the award. Mr Vegas’ reflections took him back to his upbringing in Pigeon Valley, St Andrew, where he grew up in what he describes as a “little board house”. His early connection with music developed through the sound systems that played along the main road. As a youngster, he spent time listening to the music being played and that’s how he fell “in love” with music.

“I was… happy when the sound system was there,” he said. At school, his singing also attracted attention. Mr Vegas said that while in grade seven, when his classmates and other students heard him sing, they used to gather around him to listen. The response helped to encourage his interest in music.

But his journey into music was not without interruption. After early attempts to establish himself in music, Mr Vegas worked in catering and operated a cookshop in Patrick City. While singing in the kitchen, he attracted the attention of fellow entertainer Anthony Red Rose, who encouraged him to pursue recording. This helped to bring him back to music, with sessions at Big Ship Studio. Reflecting on the evolution of Jamaican music, Mr Vegas said changes in musical styles should be understood in the context of different generations and their listening preferences. He explained that he sees musical evolution as a process in which “different generations hear different things”.

For Mr Vegas, the enduring appeal of music from his era remains a source of gratitude for him. He said producing quality songs that remain relevant over time is important to sustaining a career in the industry.

“It’s not easy to be doing music for almost 30 years,” he said, noting that he continues to tour and perform songs that audiences still sing. He also pointed to the younger generation’s familiarity with music from his era as evidence of the way songs can remain part of peoples’ lives.

“The kids… and the younger generation, they grew up hearing these songs as children and it is… still with them,” he said. “So, I just take that as a situation to be grateful for.”

From his catalogue of songs, Mr Vegas names I Am Blessed as his favourite, explaining that the song tells his personal story and reflects the many obstacles he has faced. The international reach of his music has further shaped his understanding of its value. Recalling a performance in Kenya, Mr Vegas described seeing a crowd so large that he could not see the back of it. Such experiences have given him opportunities to represent Jamaica overseas and witness the way music resonates with people from different backgrounds.

As he prepares to receive the national honour, he is encouraging aspiring musicians to pursue their talent and remain committed to their goals.

“If you want to do music and you’re talented enough and you think you can do it, go for it,” he advised. “Because trust me, it’s a life-changing situation.”