‘I did it for my girls’ - How Akeen Fennell’s daughters inspired Digicel Rising Stars win

Akeen Fennell - a devoted father, husband, and man of faith -- dreamed of making his mark in the world through music. Last Sunday, that dream became a reality when he was crowned the 20th winner of the Digicel Rising Stars talent competition.

Known for his heartfelt performances and humble spirit, the St Mary native has not only captured the hearts of Jamaicans but has also inspired many with his story of perseverance, faith, and family.

For Fennell, the true prize was the opportunity to inspire his two daughters -- his youngest, just a week old, and his eldest, a year and eight months. They are the driving force behind his success.

"I wanted to show them that anything is possible and you can achieve whatever you set your mind to when you put God first," Akeen shared.

Fatherhood gave Fennell the courage to enter the competition. Balancing his roles as a father, husband, and aspiring musician, he was constantly reminded of his 'why'. His daughters' arrival ignited a renewed purpose, driving him to chase his musical dreams with even greater determination.

As the season closed with one last emotional performance, Akeen shared his plans: "I'm pushing this music thing all the way. Music is where I feel safe and can express myself without being judged. It's home."

Fennell's love for music started early, with his first performance at his kindergarten graduation. Since then, music has been an integral part of his life, shaping him into the versatile artiste he is today. His ability to connect with different genres and styles has made him a standout.

"There's no one genre for me," he explained. "If the music feels right, I'm going to do it."

Reflecting on his journey, Fennell recognises that the Digicel Rising Stars competition was a pivotal moment in his career. The exposure helped him unlock more of his potential as an artiste.

"The show has given me the exposure I needed to explore my passion for music," he said. "It has allowed me to dig deeper."

Fennell 's victory adds to the rich legacy of Digicel Rising Stars, a platform that has launched the careers of many of Jamaica's top entertainers such as Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo.

Tari Lovell, chief marketing officer at Digicel, emphasised the impact the competition has had over the years.

"Digicel Rising Stars is more than entertainment; it's a platform for Jamaicans to step out of their shells and into the spotlight," said Lovell. "We're proud to have helped so many talented individuals pursue their dreams, and we look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment."