Reggae star Sanchez complained recently that Jamaica has not given him his proverbial flowers.
“I know that the people of Jamaica love my music because everywhere I go they show me a lot of love and support. However, I cannot understand why after 30 years of success my country has never seen it fit to honour me for the work that I’ve done in Reggae music,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez says he believes his performances over cover hits over the years have gone unnoticed at home even though he continues to gain respect abroad.
He said, “despite the lack of recognition for my work in my homeland I will continue to represent Jamaica wherever I go. God has blessed me with the talent to sing and I will keep on singing for my fans at home and abroad.”
On Saturday night at the Aqueduct venue in Montego Bay he performed for almost 1 hour at the Jamaica Rum Festival.
His set ended with a spiritual gospel segment and host Miss Kitty visibly touched, called Sanchez back onstage to salute the veteran singer with affirmations and tears.
“Everybody innah Jamaica Rum Fest, to acknowledge his greatness and a legend that is Sanchez, You are so amazing, me nuh know how you dweet, but who God bless no man curse, God is good all the time and all the time God is good,” she said as her voice shook with emotions.
“Me want every prayer warrior put Sanchez and him family, in your prayers tonight and going forward., to be an artist isn’t easy, because even when you a go through your trials and tribulations you have to leave them at the foot of the stage and come perform with every fiber of your being”
“We want to honor Sanchez tonight when I say Sanchez you say great” as the audience responded, “When I say Sanchez you say legend, when I say Sanchez you say Icon.”
Sanchez responded to the cheering crowd by saying, “Love you Jamaica, love you, love you love you,” as he exited the stage.
Sanchez
Sanchez had his first hit with “Lady In Red”, recorded for producer Red Man in 1987. By 1988 he was one of Jamaica’s most popular singers, and at his performance at Reggae Sunsplash that year he was called back for six encores. He had further hits with “Loneliness Leave Me Alone”, produced by Winston Riley, and with his cover version of Tracy Chapman’s “Baby Can I Hold You”, which was included on the Philip “Fatis” Burrell-produced Number One album (1989). He has worked with several of Jamaica’s other top producers, including King Jammy, Bobby Digital, and Donovan Germain.
His 2000 album Simply Being Me reached number 14 on the US Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart, and 2002’s Stays on My Mind hit number 9.
Primarily known for love songs and cover versions of pop and R&B songs, in the 1990s he mixed gospel themes with other topics on his albums, and released the totally gospel Who is This Man in 1999 and He’s Got the Power in 2003.
With over 30 albums under his belt, In 2012 he revealed that he is “a full-time producer”, and has been working with studio engineer and writer Rodnie “Tenor” Lion. In May he revealed that he was working on two self-produced albums, one dancehall (Like a General) and one gospel (There is no Other Like You Lord).
His latest song is a version of Goodness of God released on June 3 Produced by the US-based label Raw Vue Music.
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