The esteemed University of the West Indies, Mona, has announced that reggae icon Beres Hammond will be honored with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at this year’s annual graduation ceremony on November 4, 2023. Renowned for his iconic contributions to Jamaican music over the past five decades, Hammond has earned the well-deserved title of the “King of Lovers Rock,” cementing his status as a prominent figure in the reggae genre.
Hammond joins a distinguished cohort of recipients for this year’s honorary degrees, including Jamaica’s esteemed Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, the late business luminary Lascelles Chin, Rachel Manley, and Professor Dale Abel. The University emphasizes that these honorary degrees are conferred upon individuals who have made significant and noteworthy contributions within their respective fields in the Caribbean region.
While recipients of the honorary degree are not addressed as doctors, they are permitted to use the title in written form. Hammond and his fellow honorees will be among the 3,500 students graduating in the Class of 2023, marking an important milestone in their academic and professional journeys across various fields of education.
Earlier this year, the Caribbean Music Awards recognized Hammond’s exceptional contributions to the music industry, honoring him with the Elite Icon Award, further solidifying his remarkable legacy. Born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, in 1955, Hammond rose to prominence in the 1970s, initially gaining recognition as the lead vocalist of the group Zap Pow before embarking on his successful solo career.
With an impressive discography of 19 solo albums, including the critically acclaimed “Never Ending” released in 2018, Hammond has captivated audiences worldwide with timeless hits such as “Putting Up Resistance,” “What One Dance Can Do,” “Rock Away,” “No Disturb Sign,” “Sweet Lies,” and “Tempted To Touch,” earning him a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts globally.