Mikey Bennett tells young musicians to dream big

Renowned music producer and composer Mikey Bennett challenged 65 young musicians graduating from Food For The Poor Jamaica’s (FFTPJ) Band Camp to dream boldly, while remaining patient and disciplined enough to build their success one step at a time.

Bennett, the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony on August 20, encouraged the young musicians to see their instruments not merely as tools for entertainment, but as important companions in their personal and professional development.

“Dream big but be prepared to make small steps. Your instrument must become your best friend,” Bennett said.

His message came as the graduates marked the end of a four-week camp in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St Catherine, where they were exposed to musical training while developing confidence, discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

The 65 graduates represented the largest cohort in the programme’s 16-year history, reflecting the continued reach of the initiative, which has introduced hundreds of young Jamaicans to music and helped nurture their talents.

Food For The Poor Jamaica Executive Director Denise Jefferson told the graduates that their experience had equipped them with skills extending beyond music.

“Your commitment, discipline and hard work have brought you to this moment. Music teaches much more than how to play an instrument — it builds confidence, teamwork, creativity, discipline and perseverance,” Jefferson said.

Among those recognised at the graduation was 19-year-old Daina Craig.

Jefferson said Craig’s achievement demonstrated the possibilities that can emerge when young people are given opportunities to develop their talents.

“Today, we are especially proud to recognise Daina Craig, a graduate of our Band Camp, who placed third in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Star 2026 Competition.”

One graduate, Kayisha Skeene, appeared to have already embraced the spirit of Bennett’s advice. Skeene was named Most Outstanding Keyboardist despite having never played the instrument before entering the camp.

“I wasn’t really too excited on the first day, because I have a problem making friends but, as the weeks went by, everyone became a family to me,” Skeene said.

“Winning Most Outstanding Keyboardist, I was shocked! I’d never played a keyboard before and, in three weeks, I caught up to those who were there before.”

The camp was supported for the third consecutive year by the Sean Paul Foundation, whose financial and equipment assistance helped cover meals, transportation assistance and instructor stipends.

Foundation representative Steve Wilson urged the graduates to carry the lessons from camp into their future.

“The skills you have gained here … the discipline, teamwork, confidence and musical ability, will serve you throughout your life, whether you choose music or another path.”

For Bennett, however, the message was clear: big dreams are worth pursuing but they must be matched by the small, deliberate steps that turn ambition into achievement.