KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Renowned Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser was recently honored with three Grammy Certificates, recognizing his significant contributions to the albums “Working Wonders,” “People of the World,” and “Resistance.” The presentation took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Audi Showroom in New Kingston, an event spearheaded by Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd. in collaboration with The Royalty Network Inc.
This ceremony is part of a broader initiative to acknowledge the vital, yet often overlooked, individuals behind Grammy-winning and nominated projects, particularly within the vibrant reggae and dancehall music scenes of Jamaica. The event also received support from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, ATL Automotive Group, and Tastee Jamaica Limited.
The Saxophone Giant of Reggae
Dean Ivanhoe Fraser, affectionately known as the “saxophone giant of reggae,” boasts a career spanning over five decades, during which his distinctive saxophone melodies have graced thousands of recordings and live performances. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Fraser’s musical journey began with the clarinet before he found his definitive voice on the saxophone in his mid-teens. His career took flight in the 1970s, quickly establishing him as a sought-after instrumentalist whose warm, melodic, and emotionally charged tone became synonymous with sophistication in reggae music.
Fraser’s extensive discography includes collaborations with many of the genre’s legends, such as Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs. He is particularly noted for his decades-long partnership with Beres Hammond as part of the Harmony House band. Beyond his session work, Fraser has cultivated a successful solo career, releasing instrumental albums that blend jazz, reggae, and soul, showcasing the saxophone as a lead voice. His solo works include “Black Horn Man” (1978), “Pure Horn” (1979), and “Pumpin’ ” (1984), with a tribute album to Bob Marley, “Dean Plays Bob,” also highlighting his interpretative talent.
Recognizing the Unsung Architects of Music
The Grammy Certificate Ceremony serves as a crucial platform to honor individuals like Fraser whose behind-the-scenes work has been instrumental in shaping globally recognized music. Unlike the coveted Grammy Award statuette, a Grammy Certificate is a formal acknowledgment from the Recording Academy for contributions to a project that received a nomination or win. This initiative by Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd., founded by Kennedy Mensah, aims to provide overdue recognition to producers, musicians, engineers, and songwriters, especially those in reggae and dancehall, who may not receive the primary award.
This marks the second staging of the ceremony in Kingston, following its inaugural success in 2024 and previous ceremonies held in locations like London and South Florida. The collaboration with The Royalty Network Inc., a prominent US-based music publishing company, strengthens the global reach and credibility of this recognition effort, reinforcing a commitment to fairness and acknowledgment within the music industry for Caribbean-originated works.
Diverse Contributions Celebrated
The three albums for which Dean Fraser received certificates represent a spectrum of musical achievement. “Working Wonders,” a 1985 album by Judy Mowatt, features Fraser’s horn arrangements, contributing to its roots reggae sound. Burning Spear’s 1986 release, “People of the World,” for which Fraser also provided saxophone, garnered a Grammy nomination in 1988, underscoring its impact on the reggae landscape. The album “Resistance,” the fifth studio album by the English rock band Muse released in 2009, won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2011. Fraser’s inclusion on this diverse project highlights the far-reaching influence of his musical talent beyond traditional reggae circles.
A Testament to Jamaica’s Music Legacy
The recognition of Dean Fraser and other music professionals aligns with Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve its rich musical heritage. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport has consistently supported initiatives that highlight the contributions of its artists. Reggae music itself, a uniquely Jamaican creation, has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further cementing its global significance.
Fraser’s receipt of these Grammy Certificates is more than personal acclaim; it is a broader acknowledgment of the intricate network of talent that underpins successful music productions and a testament to the enduring power of Jamaican music on the world stage. This news serves as a reminder of the many skilled individuals whose artistry shapes the soundtracks of our lives, often from behind the scenes.