On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, officially presented reggae legend Leroy Sibbles with the framed Citation accompanying his Jamaica Music Icon Award, which he received at Grand Gala 2025.

Sharing the moment on her social media platforms, Minister Grange noted that the Citation honors Sibbles “in recognition of the work he did in promoting the growth and popularity of Jamaican music across the globe.” The document also celebrates his enduring musical legacy and global influence.

The Citation refers to Sibbles as “The King of the Bassline,” acknowledging his groundbreaking work that helped lay the foundation for modern reggae music. His distinctive bass lines were widely used by numerous artistes, contributing to recordings that launched major careers. Sibbles later became the regular bassist at the iconic Studio One recording studio, further cementing his place in reggae history. As the Citation states, “Leroy did not just play music, he crafted it, and his influence continues to resonate around the globe.”

Born and raised in Trench Town, Leroy Sibbles began his remarkable journey at just 16 years old as a founding member of the legendary group The Heptones. The group scored major hits with classics such as Fatty Fatty and Ting-a-Ling.