RESPECTIVELY
THE 34 INTERNATIONAL REGGAE WORLD MUSIC AWARDS 2015
photo credit: C. Harrison
By: C. Harrison.October 14, 2015/3:19 am
The international Reggae World Music Awards, is a success story on its own merits, since its inception. The 2015 Award Show was cozy and pinned. It had its moments but was made up for by the conscience’ audience who came to see their favorite artist win. Unstoppable they were to support the big night; yes, Fort Lauderdale showed up not so much in chunks but in a mosaic profusion.
The big winners and most talked about were: Etana with 3 awards for Best Female Vocalist and Best Song “I Rise.” and the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award. Next up : Tarrus Riley with Best Male Vocalist and most Cultural/Educational Entertainer. Best Gospel Oriented Song-Carlene Davis “Dripping Blood.” Best Album/CD- “Strictly The Best 50,” various artists. The Best Crossover Song- OMI with 2 awards “Cheerleader” and “Most Promising Entertainer.” Best Music Video- “Rock Stone” Stephen Marley. Best Instrumentalist- Dean Fraser (He is strictly the best) Best Caribbean Entertainer- Third World. Best Concert of The Year – Rebel Salute. Recording Studio Producer of the Year – Shane Brown.
The Bob Marley Award went to Chronxx and was presented by Bob’s Grand son. Most consistant Entertainer – Yellow Man. Comedian of the Year – Rohan Gunter. Best Male DJ/Rapper- Damarco. Best Female DJ/Rapper – Spice. Best New Entertainer – Dexta Daps—(Dexta I must put in, is quite the Years’ new catch, he is good). and A. J. Brown, now a member of Third World got an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry–he also accept the award on behalf of Third World’s-Caribbean Entertainer of the year. And Ed Robinson who was inducted into the Reggae Hall of Fame. These are a few among a slue of nominees, for the complete list of winners go to: www.irawma.com
“The show didn’t turned out to my liking,” according to Ephraim Martin Promoter & Producer of the Awards, Martin did not elaborate.
Moreover, others stated that while the show is prominent, they would like to see the Award Ceremony move up to a more prestigious level. Most noted that our community needs to support this annual award better than they are doing right now. Some further contends that “Its our own and we should do more, we cannot be looked at like this to the world.”
All the performers did very well but I have to point out that Gully Bop, took the spot light. This veteran really is something to behold–he basically took over the show and gave people what they came to see him do, entertain. With or with out music he could seriously give any entertainer a run for their money.
His mind set is sharp and he seems keenly intelligent—understanding what his craft is all about and knowing how and what to do with an audience. I surmise that if Gully Bop is picked up by a fair and genuine investor in him; no one would be able to touch him musically speaking. Gully is in-sense musically and gifted in tow. Gully tour up (Mashed-up) The Garden Night Club, in Fort Lauderdale, at the awards after party. You had to be there.
Gully Bop is well respected in circles he know not of and inspite of what is going on about him—it is little known. Also, off stage- he is very humble with great decorum’s about him and he is indeed a cosmopolitan. Many already wants to sue him but they should remember that he also gave to many inside the trenches over a decades to sphere.
Bop, I see you there already but, only you and your manager can play your cards ingeniously to forge ahead. This award show help Bop to sprout his wings further. I promise you that he will soar higher for the coming future. Bop, continue to keep a leveled head and “Mind your mind for the jewel of your soul.”
Next year, the International Reggae World Music Awards will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary. I promise you that you have to get in on the support line from now -this up coming show will be talked about long after the curtain falls. There will also be ample amelioration (We heed your call to ascend to that higher level) to suit your enjoyment.
The influx of the 34th annual Reggae Award Show, was wonderful. Photo credits: C. Harrison
