Singer Wayne Wonder Recognized With Three Other Dancehall Artists For Their Benevolence

Four of dancehall music's most popular artists were recognized for their benevolence on February 23rd by the city of Lauderhill. 

Wayne Wonder with a resident of Hanover parish in western Jamaica. The singer donated care packages to people affected by Hurricane Melissa in October. (Contributed photo)Wayne Wonder,  Beenie Man,  Busy Signal and Spragga Benz were presented with citations by mayor Denise D. Grant in a ceremony that took place at Lauderhill City Hall. 

The Humanitarian Ambassadors Awards are for Reggae Month, celebrated every February in South Florida.

Known for songs such as Saddest Day and No Letting Go, Wayne Wonder told Caribbean Today that he is moved to be acknowledged for his work outside of music.

"It is truly humbling and an honor. I’m very grateful to be recognized in this way. I’ve always preferred to help quietly, though, because that’s just my heart. I wasn’t looking for recognition, but it truly means a lot to know that it’s appreciated," he said.

The singer was in Jamaica in January donating relief items to people in Hanover parish affected by Hurricane Melissa last October. 

Born Vonwayne Charles, Wayne Wonder is from McIntyre Villa, a tough working-class community in Kingston known as Dunkirk. That is the area where Spragga Benz was also raised.

Witnessing the challenges of inner-city life helped shape his social awareness. 

"It’s very important to me. Giving back has always come naturally. Even from my early days, I felt like my little was a lot, so I never hesitated to share," said Wayne Wonder.