QQ gets his reward - Entertainer delights in Prime Minister’s National Youth Award honour

When recording artiste QQ was presented with the Prime Minister's National Youth Award for Excellence in Music on Sunday, it represented the first time that dancehall's former child star was being recognised nationally for his work as an entertainer.

The Better Must Come deejay has been a constant figure on the entertainment scene since he broke into the business at age 11, with the hit single, Poverty. The song, which topped national charts, earned him the distinction of becoming the youngest entertainer in Jamaica to get a No. 1 song.

The artiste, whose given name is Kareem Dawkins, told THE STAR that he became "a bit discouraged about awards" after he was overlooked during his school years when he was an ever-present figure on the music scene.

"I was left feeling the same way a lot of youths who do good feel ... that the good is never rewarded," he said.

However, with the Prime Minister's National Youth Award to his name, QQ said that he has been given well-needed motivation to continue working in music and to strive towards one day winning a Grammy.

He said while he has been nominated and has received awards overseas, he has never won any locally until now, "so it most certainly was a surprise."

"It has given me a renewed spirit to get busy again and to create as much as possible. I want to use this award as a motivation for me to keep putting out music people can enjoy and feel inspired about and also to advance my career and image so that my work in advocacy for the youths of Jamaica will be taken seriously."

The Prime Minister's National Youth Awards salute young Jamaicans between the ages of 15 and 29, who have distinguished themselves in various sectors including journalism, entrepreneurship, agriculture, national leadership, new media, academics, art and culture, sports, environmental protection, community development, innovation in science and technology and youth development.

"Today, I'm happy to say that maintaining a clean image and attaining an education has helped me to be the recipient of such distinguished award," said the young entertainer.

QQ said that since his breakthrough single, Poverty, he has aimed to contribute consistently to Jamaica's culture and to be an example for the youth.

"After a hiatus on the local dancehall scene, I wouldn't even imagine that my work was being observed and for it to have occurred, not the peak of my career, but a time when a sense of motivation and push is needed. I'm very honoured. I'm even more so honoured to know that after 18 years in music, I am still considered a youth," said the Dip and Come Up artiste, who will celebrate his 28th birthday on March 9.

"I would think the next award I would aim for would most certainly have to be an Order of Distinction and a Grammy award. I want to ensure the culture of Jamaica is preserved globally and to show the Jamaican populace and diaspora, know they have an ambassador in me that will continue to raise the banner high so they can be proud," QQ continued.