Grammy Award-winning artist Sean Paul was honored with the coveted ‘Entertainer’s Key to the City’ of New York this past Saturday, marking a notable milestone in his career. The recognition came during the third annual ‘Rise Up NYC’ concert series, an initiative led by Mayor Eric Adams’ office to celebrate the city’s dynamic culture through free outdoor performances across its five boroughs.
Sean Paul’s Memorable Moment in Queens
Sean Paul received the symbolic key during his performance at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, in recognition of his significant impact on the music scene and his role in uniting Caribbean and American cultures.
“I’m grateful to be able to do what I love and to represent my culture,” Paul expressed. “Carrying the flag in a major city like New York is a blessing. I’m thankful.”
New York City played a pivotal role in Sean Paul’s rise to fame, especially in the early 2000s when his career was gaining momentum. Recalling his early experiences, he said, “New York is vital for any artist, particularly in dancehall. It was the first city where I could perform four times in one night, with packed clubs everywhere.”
The artist spoke fondly of New York’s rich cultural diversity, emphasizing its importance to him: “New York is a hub, a melting pot of so many different cultures, and Caribbean culture, particularly Jamaican reggae and dancehall, is a big part of that mix. It feels like we’re bridging the gap between these cultures and the U.S. NYC is iconic, and I feel honored to be part of that legacy.”