Massive (Chester Wilkins) received a warm and emotional welcome in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as he walked across the stage to accept an honorary Doctor of Music degree (honoris causa) from Upper Room Theological University on 22 November 2025. The moment marked a significant milestone for the Dominica-born music executive, whose career has been built on a rare mix of creativity, technology, and unwavering support for artists.
The university honoured Dr Wilkins for his pioneering work in ISRC coding, a system that helps musicians worldwide protect their rights and secure fair payment for their work. His efforts were instrumental in improving digital transparency and strengthening revenue systems, particularly for Caribbean artists who often struggle to claim what they are owed.
As a highly respected strategist based in Iowa, Dr Wilkins has spent years speaking on major industry panels across the United States and the Caribbean, including discussions on entertainment and artificial intelligence. Through his company, Know the Codes, he has trained several legal professionals in music rights and digital technology, helping them keep pace with a rapidly changing industry.
Accepting his award, Dr Wilkins said he received it on behalf of “every creative soul from Dominica, the Caribbean, and beyond, adding that his mission has always been to help creators earn the royalties they deserve.
Dr Michael Neely, former A&R at Def Jam Records, praised Chester Wilkins for his intelligence and generosity, noting that he “doesn’t gatekeep” and always shares his knowledge.
With this new honour, Dr Wilkins plans to expand his mentorship programmes and continue guiding the next generation of Caribbean music professionals, especially in ISRC coding.
