Jamaica Salt

I was on the red carpet interviewing artists one year at the MOBOs in London.

I remember speaking to among other artists Wayne Wonder – there was a time in my life that I kept bumping into that guy,  I ended up dancing to No Letting Go at my wedding – it spoke to me that song!

 The reason why I bring up the MOBOs is to say that are so many duff reggae awards that are handed out on in the world even the well respected Grammy’s is not somewhere to look for recognising new talent and award to the more established and successful artists – 2009 Grammy winner for best reggae album went to Burning Spear for Jah Is Real.  Which is not really doing it for me I’m afraid – have a listen here. 

This is the reason why a reggae award ceremony happening on May 3rd 2009 is worth writing home about.   It is unfortunately happening not in Jamaica the birthplace and home of reggae, but Jamaica, New York - where they can afford to put on a televised event and arrange flights for all the invited artists and also reap the profits that come with it.  Jamaica itself is not in a financial position to afford even the annual reggae sumfest as it’s reported that organisers are asking the government to help them with funding.  Jamaica and the reggae bailout plan!

It is the Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards and top nominations include Movado, Beres Hammond, Queen Ifrica and Mr Vegas – I’ve been listening to Mus Come A Road all weekend.  

Now this is a reggae awards ceremony worth covering.