Charly Black surprised by Strictly 2K honour

Dancehall artiste Charly Black expressed great delight in being officially recognised by his own people on local soil.

The artiste was honoured by Strictly 2K organisers last Saturday as one of the musical standouts of the 2000s who has made a significant impact on the industry and continues to pave the way for others.

"Is a great feeling man. Yuh know honestly mi neva know seh mi a get no award. A pon di step deh suh mi reach a leave after mi done perform and dem hold mi back and seh 'don't leave, mi have supm fi gi yuh'. Mi neva know," he told THE STAR.

"But dis gimmie a more bigger feeling because mi nuh normally perform a Kingston because mi normally busy. When [ZJ] Chrome [Strictly 2K director] call mi, mi a seh 'mi deh a Jamaica man and mi good fi di day'. Mi neva come a di event before suh mi think mi just dida just come perform, sing two song and vibe. Suh it's like a surprise fi me and mi give thanks," he added.

The entertainer said he "nuh normally get nutten a Jamaica, enuh", opining that he doesn't "rub shoulders wid di big people dem inna di music and media".

"So where awards is concerned, mi nuh normally get none, but di love weh Jamaican people have fi me, mi know seh a di majority love mi. Because from mi buss mi know mi a duh good and mi keep waving fi black, gold and green. Suh big up to Strictly 2K for giving me an award in Jamaica. Team Unstoppable (his team) appreciate you, nuh chupidniss," he said.

Strictly 2K, which is celebrating its ninth anniversary, also honoured 2003 international dancehall queen Mad Michelle and Coppershot Sound. Mas Camp saw a full house of partygoers who were kept engaged throughout the throwback music festival with high-energy DJs pumping music from the eras tailored for the event. The vibe was further boosted as the crowd belted every word of Charly Black's musical medley, from his chart-topping singles, including Gyal Yuh A Party Animal and Bike Back.

"Mi appreciate this award and also to perform at this specific event because I am from this era. Yuh can see that the people were feeling the energy, and the crowd here is really for this era. Suh big up Chrome and di team because mi ago feel good a drive guh a country wid di award inna mi car," the Trelawny native said with a laugh.

Charly Black also acknowledged his fellow honourees and the show's organisers for doing a "good thing" by sharing the highlight among multiple areas and talents in music.

"Mad Michelle a legend, and she still young, look and dance young, and she and [dancer] Keiva (a previous honouree) inna di streets same way. Coppershot still a buss di place and dem have selectors all over the world. Suh I think it's a great award based on who dem choose, which spread di ting right across di board, and each year yuh can see that they are very selective of what they do," he said.

Charly Black said that, having recently received a few rhythms from trending producer DJ Mac, Zum and other young producers, he promised to deliver some hot, new tracks to kick-start 2026. The artiste, who is also an entrepreneur, told THE STAR that his Unstoppable Lounge will be expanding its franchise, with a new opening in Rio Bueno, Trelawny. The new spot is a seafood and beach bar, and the pre-launch event, scheduled for tomorrow, will see performances from Little John, Supreme Force Sound and dancers.