Shyne has won a seat in Belize’s House of Representatives. The Bad Boy alum announced his victory in an Instagram post on Thursday (Nov. 12) following the country’s Wednesday (Nov. 11) general election. Shyne was previously nominated by the United Democratic Party to represent the constituency of Mesopotamia in Belize City.
“FROM HIP HOP TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!!!” Shyne wrote. “Thank you MESOPOTAMIA!!! It is with the greatest humility that I accept this victory for us!”
The Belize-born and New York-raised artist will take over his uncle Hon. Michael Finnegan’s seat, who announced he would not be seeking reelection back in 2017. Finnegan previously expressed his support for Shyne in hopes that he would replace him. The rapper is also the son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who made history as the nation’s first Black prime minister in 2008.
“This victory is for all those who are just like me in Mesopotamia, Belize and the world over!” Shyne’s post continued. “All those who have taken a fall! All those who have stumbled on their life’s journey.”
“We all fall! But to get up and walk, run and rise again is the purpose of life!” he added. “We are all destined to be challenged but we are all capable of overcoming those challenges! My story is testament of human fortitude! We all have what I have! We just have to dig deep within and find it! I hope I inspire everyone to overcome their adversities and find their greatness!”
As reported by REVOLT, Diddy endorsed his former collaborator’s candidacy when he announced he was running earlier this year.
“I’m so proud of my brother [Shyne] and the journey he is on,” the REVOLT Chairman wrote in a post. “He is running for the House of Representatives and needs your support.”
Prior to being elected, Shyne served as Belize’s Ambassador of Music.
Congratulations Shyne! Read his full post below.