more popularly known as Cece Winans, the key to the city of Kingston, honouring her decades of musical and spiritual influence on Jamaicans alongside her humanitarian work.

Councillor Waynette Strachan-Nelson, representing the Hagley Park Division, who was the mover of the resolution, praised the award winning gospel artiste as a “spiritual force”, noting that her music has deeply resonated with Jamaicans.

“Cece is not just a celebrated artiste, she is a spiritual force, a humanitarian, a cultural icon whose work has touched hearts across the globe, and especially here in Jamaica. Her voice has travelled across borders and generations, but has always found a home in this our nation… We have not merely listened to her music, we have leaned on it and lifted it in our most intimate moments,” she said.

She acknowledge that Winans, who is the most awarded female gospel artiste of all time with 15 Grammy Awards and over 17 million records sold worldwide, has seen her songs become anthems in Jamaica.

She said tracks like Goodness of God have transcended Sunday worship to become part of the nation’s cultural fabric.

“It has become an anthem for Jamaicans, I believe, from Sunday morning worship to bustling taxi and bus routes, from the stillness of hospital doors to our street corners downtown, to our market and, you know, in the season, it has also become a staple on our political platforms when we’re ready to invite the presence of God,” she said.

She also highlighted how Winans’ music has bridged divides in Jamaican society. “Cece Winans has done what few can do: She has crossed denominational lines, bridged social divides, and unified us in worship. Even when we are weary, her music not just speaks to us, but it speaks to us in the language of spirit, survival and praise,” said Strachan-Nelson. She also emphasised that the resolution was not just about Winans’ musical achievements but also her humanitarian contributions by noting her philanthropic efforts. (Jamaica Observer)