by Curlan Campbell, NOW Grenada
- 1997 “Male Vocalist of the Year” with Sunshine Award
- Has battled Guillain-Barré syndrome since 2016.
- Awarded The Dr Slinger Francisco Sunshine Award in 2024
Nine-time Calypso Monarch Edson “King Ajamu” Mitchell is no stranger to awards and recognition. However, after receiving his latest award at the 36th Sunshine Awards in October, he believes this marks a crowning moment in his career as a musician, which spans over 40 years after first being named Male Vocalist of the Year in 1997.
Mitchell was among artists, sculptors, and humanitarians from the Caribbean, who were recognised at the 36th Sunshine Awards held on 19 October at RobertTreat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
Also accepting Sunshine Awards were Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal, Donric “Lord Funny” Williamson, and Rhonda Maingot and Rose Jackman (Trinidad and Tobago), Edwin Yearwood (Barbados); Jallim Eudovic (St Lucia), Carlene Davis (Jamaican singer), Carl Fraser (Guyana), Kettly Maars (Haiti), Ethiopian Herman Bekele and American musician Matthew Whitaker.
Mitchell told NOW Grenada that winning the award was a wonderful feeling. He expressed appreciation for how people outside of his country recognised his work. He stated that while all of his achievements hold great significance for him, he feels that this latest Sunshine Award stands out for different reasons.
“The Mighty Sparrow is someone I have the ultimate respect and admiration for and he has played a major part in my development as a composer and performer. And to be awarded The Dr Slinger Francisco Sunshine Award is just more than the regular award to me,” he said.
Established 35 years ago, the Sunshine Awards Programme aims to honour excellence in the performing arts, education, humanitarian initiatives, research, science, and sports in diverse Caribbean countries.
Ajamu, who began his career in 1983, has battled Guillain-Barré syndrome since 2016. “After being stricken by Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2016 which had diminished my ability to do many things as accurately as I used to,” Ajamu said. “It’s such a blessing to see the way God has kept me through his and still granted me the privilege to tell my stories and spread the good message through my music. I am forever grateful for his mercies.”
Ajamu stated that as long as he has the breath of life, his love for music will remain consistent. “It’s a way of life for me, so I am always working on new music,” he said. “I have consistently released new music to the public, and my desire is to continue doing so as long as God blesses me with the ability.”
In his conservative years, Ajamu continues to spend time nurturing and mentoring young and upcoming musicians. He has written, arranged, and produced music for several well-known calypsonians both locally and internationally. “I have always been someone willing to share the knowledge I have with my peers, and I have this strong desire to guide the younger ones in that positive direction. So am always willing to help in what way I can whenever I come across a youth with some sort of talent in music,” he said.
Ajamu has also called for greater recognition of local artists. “I don’t believe our musicians and cultural ambassadors receive the recognition they deserve in our own country. While I feel loved and respected by many, there are also times when I encounter disrespect. Many other individuals in this field do not receive the appreciation they deserve, even though they contribute significantly to building our nation. I suggest that we start acknowledging those who have made sacrifices and truly recognise their efforts — not just with words, but through meaningful actions.”
Since named “Male Vocalist of the Year” in 1997 with the Sunshine Award, he has been showcased several times in Billboard Magazine. In 1998, he was honoured with the prestigious title of “Member of the British Empire” (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
While Ajamu’s career has many highlights, he would like to be remembered as someone who stands up for the right things and helps to make a difference in this world.
it is said that Napoleon Bonaparte was recognized as one of the world’s greatest generals partly because he was one of the first leaders to hand out medals to his fighters after each battle. By doing so, Napoleon made his troops know that their efforts were not in vain. To the extent that society stops taking people for granted, we would all be better off for it. Let us always give praise where praise is due. In other words, give people their roses while they are still alive. Congratulations King Ajamu. Kudos to the folks who have that kind of Napoleonic insight.