Digicel Rising Stars winner talks faith, family and a future in music

Hailing from St Mary, a devoted father, husband and man of God, Akeen Fennell, dreamed of making his mark in the world through music. On Sunday, October 6, that dream became reality when he was crowned the 20th winner of the Digicel Rising Stars talent competition. Known for his passion-filled performances and humble spirit, Akeen has not only captivated the hearts of Jamaicans but has also inspired many with his story of perseverance, faith and family.

At the results show, Akeen “The Dream” Fennell stood victorious on the Digicel Rising Stars stage, proudly holding the grand prize cheque for JM$1.5 million. It was a full circle moment, but the true prize, he says, was the opportunity to inspire his two daughters. His youngest, just a week old, and his eldest, only a year and eight months, are the driving forces behind his success. “I wanted to show them that anything is possible and you can do anything you put your mind to when you put God first,” Akeen shared. 

Becoming a father gave him the courage to enter the competition. Balancing fatherhood, his marriage, and his passion for music, Akeen was constantly reminded of his ‘Why’. His daughters’ arrival sparked a new purpose, igniting his desire to chase his musical ambitions with even greater fervour. Ending the season with another heartfelt performance, Akeen shared his next step, stating, “I’m pushing this music thing all the way. Music is where I feel safe and can express myself without being judged. It’s home.”

Akeen’s love for music began at an early age, performing for the first time at his kindergarten graduation. From then on, music became an integral part of his life, shaping him into the versatile artist he is today. His ability to connect with different genres and styles has made him a standout performer. “There’s no one genre for me,” he explained. “If the music feels right, I’m going to do it.” Whether it’s gospel, love songs, or something entirely new, Akeen promises to deliver.

Looking back on his journey through the competition, Akeen acknowledges that the Digicel Rising Stars competition has been a significant stepping stone in his career. This exposure gave him the confidence to explore his potential as an artiste. “The show has given me the exposure I needed to unlock more of my potential,” he reflected. “It has allowed me to dig deeper and explore my passion for music.”

At the 20th staging of the Digicel Rising Stars competition, Digicel Chief Marketing Officer, Tari Lovell (right), presents this year's winner, Akeen Fennell (left), a grand prize of $1.5 million. 

Akeen’s win adds to the legacy of the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Over the past 20 years, Digicel Rising Stars has launched the careers of many of Jamaica’s most celebrated musicians, including Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo and continues to showcase

Tari Lovell, Chief Marketing Officer at Digicel, underscored the importance of Digicel Rising Stars in transforming the lives of ordinary Jamaicans with extraordinary talent. “It’s more than entertainment; it’s more than a competition,” Lovell said. “It’s more than entertainment; it’s more than a competition. Digicel Rising Stars is a platform for Jamaicans to step out of their shells and walk into the spotlight. We’re proud to have given so many talented individuals the opportunity to change their lives and pursue their dreams. For us, it’s about empowering our community, and we are excited to have been part of this journey for the last two decades.”

For Akeen, his victory is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration to other talented Jamaicans who may doubt their abilities or feel their dreams are out of reach. Akeen’s journey has only just begun, but it is already a testament to the power of perseverance and faith.