Grammy Award-winning artist Sean Paul was honored with the prestigious ‘Entertainer’s Key to the City’ of New York on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his career. The recognition was part of the third annual ‘Rise Up NYC’ concert series, a city-wide initiative presented by the Office of Mayor Eric Adams. The concert series featured free outdoor performances across the five boroughs throughout the summer, celebrating New York’s vibrant cultural scene.
A Historic Moment in Queens for Sean Paul
During his performance at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, Sean Paul was presented with the symbolic key, acknowledging his immense contributions to the city’s music scene and his role in bridging Caribbean and American cultures.
“I feel honored to be able to do something that I love and to help take part in my culture,” Paul said in a statement. “Wearing the flag in a big city like New York is a blessing. I’m giving thanks.”
Sean Paul’s deep connection to New York City dates back to the early 2000s, a pivotal time in his career. The city played a crucial role in his rise to fame, especially in the dancehall scene. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “New York is a very important place for artists, especially in dancehall. It’s the first city where I could do four shows in one night, with all the clubs full.”
Sean Paul expressed his appreciation for the unique cultural melting pot that is New York City. “NYC is a Mecca, a melting pot of many different cultures, and Caribbean culture, especially Jamaican reggae and dancehall, is a huge part of that,” he said. The artist emphasized the significance of his connection to the city, adding, “It feels like we’re connecting, bridging the gap between the cultures and The States. NYC is an iconic city, and I feel iconic.”
The celebration didn’t stop at the stage. Sean Paul’s wife, Jodi Jinx, proudly shared the moment on social media, posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the couple with the key: “He got the keys to the city and my heart ❤️.”