Jamaican songwriter and reggae veteran Beres Hammond will be honoured with the Elite Icon Award at the upcoming Caribbean Music Awards ceremony in Brooklyn, New York.

The inaugural event, set for August 31 at the King’s Theater in Brooklyn, promises to highlight Caribbean culture, celebrating excellence across the genres of reggae, dancehall, soca, kompa, and zouk.

It will be hosted by Haitian rapper and actor Wyclef Jean.

Hammond is also nominated for Reggae Artiste of the Year, alongside fellow Jamaicans Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje, Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, and Shaggy.

Known for his lovers’ rock music, the I Feel Good artiste has captured the hearts of many with his soulful tunes, building a legacy of conscious music.

Hammond rose to fame in the 1990s, cementing himself as a prominent figure in reggae locally and internationally with hit songs Tempted to Touch, Is This a Sign, and Respect to You Baby.

The 67-year-old singer was also honoured with the Order of Jamaica in 2013 for his contributions to reggae.

Trinidadian singer Machel Montano is also set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, months after he was presented with the Keys to the City of Kingston during Jamaica’s Independence celebration.