Rising musical star Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy, received a jubilant welcome home on his arrival at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) on Thursday (February 15), facilitated by MBJ Airports Limited for the Flanker-born son of St James who is now blazing a musical trail internationally.

Born sightless yet undaunted, Hector describes himself as being “differently abled” and is undeterred by the harsh economic conditions that attended his youthful years, first in the Montego Bay Craft Market and then at the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston.

Under his moniker Nigy Boy, Hector has several hits to his credit, all written by him and with his latest recording ‘Continent‘ receiving over five million views on YouTube alone.

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Even as he pursues his now bright music career, he disclosed that his greater ambitions are in the legal sphere. “My long-term intent is to go into law and I’m on track, in pursuing a degree in history and political science at the Stonybrook University in New York.”

Speaking more on his current fame, Hector added, “Music kind of come in and right now I am forced to multi-task as best as I can. Education is a powerful thing; it’s the one thing that can never be taken away from you, so I have to fully endorse it and it has to come with me, I’m not leaving it behind,” he said in an airport interview.

With a message to young Jamaicans searching for their path in life, he said, “As a Flanker man, I’m from a community where youngsters don’t know which direction to take because of how things are. There’s a stigma surrounding the inner-city communities and everybody is locked into a boxed cage so it’s like they see no way up but there’s always a way, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not find that answer that you’re looking for, you may not find that road that you want to walk now growing up, but the path is laid out before you. Always trust the Lord Almighty to lead and you follow.”

Asked if he was committed to keeping his music clean, he made a public promise that while “music is what I’m all about, personally speaking, it’s my mission to toe that line and make music that can resonate with people of all ages, race, ethnicities.” He sees music as a universal language and is therefore not restricted to any one genre.

Heading the list of officials welcoming Hector back home, deputy mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon said he was happy with his progress, adding, “This is how youngsters should operate; even of you are making a move to other places you have to represent Jamaica at the highest level.”

Congratulating him on what he has been doing, Vernon also underscored the importance of music as a vehicle of social change, stating that “when it is used properly you can influence others and you can also change lives.”

Sharon Hislop-Holt, manager of commercial business development and marketing at MBJ Limited, said the airport was overjoyed to welcome and host Hector on his arrival.

She lauded the success of his musical career and urged him to go on to achieving higher levels of accomplishment.

Regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Odette Soberman-Dyer hailed Hector’s life story as “one of inspiration” and observed, “He is also a testimony to us that a disability does not hinder you from achieving your dreams; it’s just an additional reason to push even harder.”

Joe Bogdanovich, owner and CEO of DownSound Entertainment, shared with the audience that Nigy Boy has been signed to perform on Reggae Sumfest 2024.