Mikie Bennett: 'It was a different kind of excitement'

Mikie Bennett, a celebrated record producer, composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, has been recognized by the Jamaican Government with a Member of the Order of Distinction for his significant contributions to the music industry. This national honor marks a profound moment for Bennett, who left behind ambitions of a corporate career after hearing his first written song, "Irons In The Fire," recorded by his group Home T 4 in 1980, played on the radio.

"I had to pull over. My arms were shaking. It was a thing, like, ‘I want more of this, I need this. This is what I want to live for,’" Bennett recalled of that life-changing experience. Since then, he has established himself as a sought-after songwriter and producer, working with legendary artists such as Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Cocoa Tea, and J C Lodge.

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I had to pull over. My arms were shaking. It was a thing, like, ‘I want more of this, I need this. This is what I want to live for,’

Bennett credits his mother, Ivy Bennett, a literature teacher, and his aunt, Amy Picart, a librarian who managed his Grafton recording studio, for their influence. While he has received numerous music industry awards, Bennett stated that the national recognition carries a different weight. "When I got the phone call it was a feeling I wasn’t prepared for; it was a different kind of excitement. A wonderful feeling," he told the Jamaica Observer.

A graduate of Kingston College and holder of a business administration degree, Bennett's career flourished during the 1980s and 1990s, a period widely considered the most creative era in dancehall music. He co-wrote many of the decade's biggest hits, including "Temptress" (Maxi Priest), "Housecall" and "Mr Loverman" (Shabba Ranks), and "Pirates Anthem" (Home T, Cocoa Tea, Shabba Ranks). His early exposure to producers like Gussie Clarke, who ran the Music Works label, taught him the business aspects of music, including publishing and the importance of a strong production team. He also collaborated with other influential producers like Lloyd “King Jammy” James, Steely and Clevie, and Bobby Digital, valuing their insights into understanding audience preferences and effective communication.

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When I got the phone call it was a feeling I wasn’t prepared for; it was a different kind of excitement. A wonderful feeling.