Tag Archives: dancehall

The Nominations for Best Reggae Album GRAMMY 2022

An Overview of the Artists and Albums Selected…

by M. Peggy Quattro

The Recording Academy’s 2022 GRAMMY Award nominations are selected from 22,000 entries and awarded by its approximate 12,000 voting membership. Now, and going forward, GRAMMY nominations will be determined by a majority, peer-to-peer vote of Recording Academy voting members. So, if you want to have a voice, contribute, and vote, *Become a Recording Academy member here*

I recently had the pleasure of speaking on-air with Deon Mattis, host of “Home Run” on Jamaica’s The Edge 105.3 FM radio program. The topic centered on the 2022 Best Reggae Album nominations. In my view, 2021 was the year of collaborations and indie labels. To be clear on why, here’s my overview of the six nominated albums, artists, and labels.

The Six Nominees are:

  • PAMOJAEtana – on U.S.-based Freemind Music
    • Etana is a gifted singer, songwriter, and 2018 Reggae Grammy nominee.
    • She has earned her fanbase through consistent quality recordings and performances since 2008.
    • On this album, Etana displays how progressive and in-touch she is with today’s market.
    • In addition to old school Reggae and new school Trap/Dancehall, there’s a notable Afrobeat influence, as heard in her collabs with several African and international artists.
    • Not to mention, her collabs with such Reggae greats as Damian Marley and Albarosie.
  • POSITIVE VIBRATION – Gramps Morgan – on U.S.- & Canada-based Halo Entertainment Group
    • I was there in ’94, when the unknown Morgan Heritage made their debut Sunsplash performance on a small stage. They blew everyone away and were invited to perform on the big stage on international night. The tight, pop-sounding group was immediately signed by MCA Records as they departed the stage.
    • Over the next 20 years, Morgan Heritage received two (2) Reggae Grammy Awards.
    • Gramps lives in Nashville these days, and the influence of the acclaimed-music city is unmistakable on this album. The songs are fun, romantic, country, and Reggae.
    • The collabs with Shaggy, India.Arie, his father Denroy, and son Jemere are awesome additions.
    • On this album, Gramps reminds me of a Reggae Jimmy Buffet.
  • LIVE N LIVIN’ – Sean Paul – on JA-based Dutty Rock Productions (his own label)
    • Inarguably, this Dancehall pioneer is the most well-known, recognizable, award-winning artist in this category.
    • A Reggae Grammy winner in 2004, Sean Paul has been nominated many, many times.
    • He is the performer, songwriter, and producer on this album…but he’s not alone on it. There are nearly 20 artists jammin’ with him… from Buju and Movado, to Damian and Mutabaruka.
    • You know it’s Sean Paul when you hear the first track…his distinct Dancehall style is unmistakable.
    • With the generous smattering of new and legendary DJs, this album is a sure-fire party hit!
Continue reading

MPeggyQ Celebrates 40 Years inna Reggae- from A to Z!

Take a Reggae Journey with Me & Enjoy 40 Years of People, Events, Work, Travel, & Fun

Since 1981 – from A to Z!

Here’s my final A to Z — hand-picked highlights, adventures, & the special people I’ve met & worked with since 1981. There’s a life time of memories to recall as I trod this Reggae road, here’s a few of my faves. Trust mi, here’s ’nuff ’nuff history & fun times to make you smile! One Love, M Peggy Quattro

*RR = Reggae Report Magazine

AAswad The popular UK Lovers Rock trio was inspired by Marley in the ‘70s & later befriended BMW in ’76. Always sweet & gentlemanly, Tony Gad, Drummie Zeb & Brinsley Forde were RR favorites & were featured on three covers, in multiple issues, & headlined a packed Cameo Theater ’91 concert that I promoted & co-produced in Miami Beach. They were my May featured artist in RR’s popular 1995 Calendar.

The Aswad Poster I printed for Cameo show ; V9#5 1991 Cover; Aswad checking RR & my ’95 Calendar; Aswad with Princess Di – Click Any Image to View!


BBob Marley Our connection began in 1974 Nürnberg. This intro led to a job in his manager’s Miami office. My first day was May 11, 1981. RR featured annual Bob tribute issues with stories, pics, interviews, & more. I became friends with his mother, children, families; produced two BM Festival magazines; & sponsored several BM festivals. In 1995, I received a BM World Peace Award in Antigua. In 2008, I wrote & coordinated the Bob Marley Tribute that remains atop Mystic Mountain/Bobsled Jamaica in Ocho Rios today. Long live the king!

Me getting BM World Peace Award, Antigua ’95 – RR Article 1990 – BM Vinyl w Logo – Bob Marley Tribute Issues 1983-1998 – Bob Pull Out Poster V6#4 1988 – MPQ w the Marley Tribute I wrote for Mystic Mountain ’08 – Click Any Image to View!


CCedella Marley Booker Getting to know, interview, travel & spend time with Bob’s mother, affectionately known as Ms B, was a definite highlight. Her fierce courage, wisdom, humor, talent, & home-cooking made for unforgettable & inspiring times. A fan favorite, Ms B was featured in RR many times. We shared successes & supported each other through complex times. It was an honor to speak in eulogy at Mother Booker’s fabulous life celebration in 2008. I miss her energy but feel her spirit.

Cindy B, Ms B & Me, Hard Rock, Miami – Me & Ms B, somewhere in the ’90s – Ms B gets key to Houston, ’90s pic by me – Philip Michael Thomas, Ms B, & me at our Time Will Tell movie premiere, Miami – Ms B, Woody Harrelson & Wesley Snipes, BM Fest, Miami, pic by me – Ms B & Ernie Smith perform at Small Axe Awards, Miami Beach ’86 – Ms B, Me, my dawta Arielle, & I Jabulani Tafari at Nine Mile – Click Any Image to View!


D Don Taylor I’m so grateful for Don sighting my tenacity & passion, & for hiring me as his assistant. He was managing Bob, Jimmy, & Gregory then & I was overjoyed. On my first day, May 11, 1981, Bob died. The Reggae world changed forever. I changed. Don T & I remained friends after I left. I always rated him a top-notch manager. We saw each other often, in Miami, JA, & at Midem in Cannes ’97 where JA’s showcase stole the show! When I interviewed him about his ’90s tell-all book, we revisited my ‘first day’ & the intense times that followed. I was sad to hear of his passing at only 56 & often think about what he’d be doing if he were with us today.

Don & Me, MoBay ’90s – Don & Bob – Don & Me, Cannes ’97 – Don, Bob, George Harrison ’76 – Don & Me, Kgn – Don, Me, Danny Sims, Kgn ’80s – Click Any Image to View!


EE-Book Reggae Trilogy: 200+ 80s & 90s Artist Headshots-Vol. 1 is my fun tribute to the music makers & frontline pioneers who shaped these remarkable decades. With 1000+ Headshots in the RR Archive, I found a way to utilize this treasure trove & share the fashion, culture, & lifestyle of Reggae’s Global era in an educational & entertaining e-book. There are 13 Chapters, my intro & a Foreword by Nadine Sutherland. Have a look – you may be in it! Or maybe your parents…or grandparents!

Reggae Trilogy: 200+ 80s & 90s Artist Headshots – Legends sample – Artist Index – Artis tNames – Singers Chapter Intro – 5 stars! Great reviews! Get yours now! – Click Any Image to View!


FFestivalsDirecting Caribbean Sunburst at Miami’s Marine Stadium was a mixed blessing–awesome 4 days, but the promoters ran off with all the $$, fi real. Later, RR co-sponsored many Miami Reggae Fests. JA’s Sumfest & Sunsplash Festsmy faveswere jam-packed with locals & global visitors coming together in One Love. I witnessed Cartagena’s Caribbean Music Fest in a bullring (while pregnant) & the Cancun Bob Marley Fest on the beach. Being part of Fests from LA & Miami to NYC & Hawaii, and all around the Caribbean, was a total blast!

Caribbean Sunburst Poster ’82 – Sumfest Daybreak ’90s – MPQ Reggae Rockin’ in JA – RR Sumfest Co-sponsor ’90s – MPQ, Mikey Zappow, Sudden Impack land in Cartagena ’85 – MPQ with Directors Ron Burke (Sunsplash) & Walter Elmore (Sumfest) – Cartagena 100K Fans at Wall Concert ’88 – Sumfest Daybreak Crowd ’90s -Review Cartagena Fest ’88 – Click Any Image to View!


GGregory Isaacs – Didn’t know the Cool Ruler before meeting him thru Taylor in ‘81. He was a real character with a raspy voice that turned silky when he sang. In ’82, I convinced Gregory to headline at Sunburst. He’s featured on RR covers & articles, including an interview I did at his home shortly after his wedding & wild SuperJam ’83 performance. Also, catch his notable performance in the movie, Rockers. We remained friends over the decades, in spite of his expected, charming, fruitless advances. Gregory sadly passed at age 59 from cancer.

I present a Red Rose for Gregory at the Martin’s Awards, MoBay 1991 – Gregory at his peak in the 80s – Me with Gregory at his shop in Kingston – Grumpy Gregory outside a Kingston studio – Gregory live at SoFla Vintage Show in 2009 – Gregory’s 1st RR cover in ’84 – Gregory live at Sunsplash – Click Any Image to View!


HHaile Selassie I – The influence & teachings of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I has permeated Reggae since the late ’60s. Rastafari believe Selassie is the son of God/Jah. When I met Rasta elder Mortimer Planno in JA in the early ’80s, he kindly answered my many questions. RR featured a So Jah Seh section each issue that presented quotes & highlights of H.I.M.’s many speeches. We also featured historical articles on H.I.M., the beginnings of Rastafari in JA, & insight into the more modern Twelve Tribes sect. Many Rastas moved to Shashamene & the land granted them by Selassie in Ethiopia. 

Emperor Selassie represented as the Lion of God – Selassie met by Planno on his 1966 arrival in Jamaica – HIM & his famous hands’ position – His Majesty on Time magazine cover 1930 – A Nyhabinghi drumming session – Bob Marley with HIM backdrop – Click Any Image to View!


IInner Circle – Met these uptown-Kingston “bad boys” in ’82 when I worked with producer Joe Gibbs, where their Miami-based pressing plant was nearby. For ‘82’s Sunburst fest, they were the backing ‘Fatman Riddim Section’ & again for our Marcia Griffiths show that same year. The band was featured on several RR covers & reported on & written about countless times, including a tour to Belize I was invited on. Memorable was a surprising offer from the leader I had to decline. We have a lot of history-from Top Rankin’ to Circle House-and were friends for more than 30 years, ‘til we weren’t. C’est la vie.

The Inner Circle band was May in my ’96 Calendar – Caught this backstage pic at White River ’90s – Roger, Me, & Lance somewhere – Cover V7#7 1989 – Cover V16#2 1998 – The Lewis Brothers – Took this at the airport on our way to the Belize fest – Click Any Image to View!


JJimmy Cliff – My introduction to Reggae was Jimmy Cliff and The Harder They Come – album & movie – while living in 1974 Nürnberg. I was hooked; my music found me. Meeting & working with Jimmy in ’81 was a true blessing. On a trip to NYC to work his show, I was introduced to Jagger & Yoko backstage! Besides being friends, he became my mentor when RR began in ‘83. He offered his home as a base when I traveled to Kingston. Once on the front stoop, he advised me to put a price on RR: “You haffi get paid for your work.” Good advice.

Me & Jimmy backstage, Miami late ’80s – Jimmy “Bongo Man” Cliff – Jimmy’s 1st RR Cover ’84 – V14#10 1996 Cover – My Jimmy cover, shot in his front yard, V4#2 1986 – V6#1 1988 Cover – Click Any Image to View!


KKy-mani Marley – This talented Marley rocketed into my orbit in ‘94 when the then 18-year-old performed with the Marley Festival tour in TX & Cancun. He struck me as a surefire star, and we became pals as I followed his career. His uncanny similarity to his father’s voice garnered global attention. Albums, a Grammy nod, an acting career, & a published autobiography soon followed. He was featured on a 90s RR cover & in many articles & reviews. Born in Jamaica & raised in Miami, Ky-mani continues to write, record, perform, and act from his South Florida base.

Kymani Cover 1997 – Kymani with Specialist (l) 90s – Ky backstage at Miami Marley Fest – MPQ & Kymani at Bob Marley Exhibit 2013 – Serious Kymani – Ky & Tito Puente, Jr. at Midem Miami 90s – Damian & Kymani, Marley Fest Tour in Texas ’94 -Click Any Image to View!


LLucky Dube – Watching Lucky’s 1st U.S. show in ‘89 was life changing. Already a huge star in So. Africa, with a huge band playing huge venues, he brought his big band Slave, with dancing horns & backing singers, to NYC’s small SOB’s nightclub. Blown away, I pushed my way backstage to meet the affable singer. This 1st interview led to a near 20-year friendship with loads of laughter; several RR covers; intelligent interviews about apartheid, Rasta, Reggae, & racism; articles; review; & many more mind-blowing performances & adventures.  

Lucky Cover 1991 – (l-r) Guy Henderson, Lucky, Antos Stella, Cousin Richard, MPeggyQ – Lucky & MPeggyQ at the Cameo, Miami Beach 90s – Lucky at his 1st USA show, at SOB’s in NYC ’89 – 1st Lucky RR Interview by MPQ after NYC show ’89 – 1st time meeting Lucky & Slave members outside SOB’s ’89, that’s Lucky hugging Arielle (top) & MPeggyQ , Guy Henderson, & Teri O (bottom)- Click Any Image to View!


MMarcia Griffiths – I knew Marcia as a member of I Three, but didn’t actually meet her until ’82 when I produced her in concert at Miami’s Gusman Cultural Center. Her unmistakable voice and energetic stage performances are loved the world over; her catalogue of songs seems endless. She hit her stride with the “Electric Boogie” & the accompanying Electric Slide, which I enjoyed dancing with her on stages in the US & JA! Featured on RR covers, in articles & interviews, Marcia is the Queen of Reggae!

Marcia performing somewhere – Marcia & MPeggyQ backstage JA ’90s – Marcia at SNWMF 2013 by Lee Abel – Marcia & MPeggyQ backstage Miami ’90s – One of Marcia’s Covers, V7#9 1989 – Marcia & MPeggyQ at Reggae Report’s Kingston Launch 1988 – MPQ having fun doing the Slide with Marcia! – Click Any Image to View!


NNadine Sutherland – I first met “Teen Queen Nadine” in 1986. Then 18 years old, she was already singing for six years! Her hits Action & Baby Face brought int’l attention & kept her on RR pages. I enjoyed catching up with the rising star, whether at Reggae shows, the Reggae Awards, or on WhatsApp! When I invited Nadine to write the Foreword for my eBook Reggae Trilogy-Vol. 1, she enthusiastically responded & delivered a tasteful, inspiring essay. Now a college grad Queen, Nadine is still going strong, writing, recording, performing, & inspiring!

Nadine performing somewhere – Nadine & MPeggyQ backstage Reggae Soca Awards, Ft. Lauderdale ’90s – Nadine looking absolutely stunning! – Nadine with her braids – The young teen queen Nadine – Nadine wrote an excellent Foreword to MPeggyQ’s fun eBook, Reggae Trilogy-Vol. 1 – Click Any Image to View!


OOrder of the CourtIn July ‘86, Dade County Judge Salmon ruled in my favor and against Kona K. Pa, a dreadlocked woman who stole the name Reggae Report. She fled, so judgement was never received. Justice was served but my ‘final opinion’ was written, Pa “should cut her locks as she is a disgrace to Rastafari.” (V4#4 1986)  In the ’90s, a company out of Cyprus stole my logo, removed two e’s & called it Ragga. When discovered, we sent a cease & desist letter. It was undeniable. Soon they, and their shoes & clothes, vanished. Protect your work!

Cyprus-based company selling at Splash using stolen logo – Reggae Report Logo, designed by Huntley Burgher, 90s – Ragga model stylin’ at Splash 90s – Judgement against Kona Pa who stole the name Reggae Report – Reggae Report JA Limited set up, 88 – Swiped this from a shoe store for evidence – Click Any Image to View!


PPeter ToshMy first JA concert in ’82 starred Peter Tosh in MoBay. A big fan since his Wailers days, I was thrilled to meet him in a Kingston recording studio that same year. Setting aside his serious, revolutionary style, I found him pleasant & funny, with a beautiful smile. Who knew. Equally saddened by his senseless murder in ’87, I went to Kingston for his final tribute. RR covered Peter’s life & death in several issues, many presenting the ‘Mystic Man’ on the cover. He received a posthumous Best Reggae LP GRAMMY in ’87 for No Nuclear War.

Peter on stage with his M-16 guitar – Peter’s funeral inside Kingston National Arena, ’87 – RR reporting on his murder, V5#5 1987 – Peter leaving backstage at Kingston’s SuperJam ’83 – Peter V9#8 1991 Cover – Peter at Sunrise Musical Theater, So Fla ’82 – Click Any Image to View!


QQueens of ReggaeI’m grateful for the fine women I’ve met, interviewed, worked with, & got to know. My first concert starred Marcia Griffiths in 1982. From Roots to Dancehall, from Judy Mowatt (who performed at my Small Axe Awards in ’86,) Sister Carol, & Dawn Penn to chart-topping Diana King, JC Lodge, & Lady G, my time with the ladies of Reggae was always fun, uplifting & inspiring. Our annual ‘Women in Reggae’ issue featured these pioneers on the cover and offered loads of stories, interviews, reviews, & photos inside.

JC Lodge featured in our 1994 Calendar-pic by Lee Abel; Diana King cover-V15#8 1997; Sophia George holding V6#2 1988; Puma Jones & Judy Mowatt at my Small Axe Awards 1986-pic by MPeggyQ; I Three-Judy, Rita, Marcia; MPeggyQ & Lady G at Kingston interview 2008 – Click Any Image to View!


RRadio DJ DaysWith the abundance of vinyl received weekly, it was easy for me to segue into radio in the early ‘90s. My “Strick’ly Reggae” twice-weekly show on WAVS- & WVCG-AM was another fun opportunity to spread the news, music & message. My mentor was dear friend & favorite DJ, WLRN-FM’s Clint O’Neil, South Florida’s No. 1 DJ. Radio’s Reggae DJs reigned in SoFla, NYC, LA, & countless cities in between. Radio & print magazines were the messengers & social media of the ‘80s & ‘90s.

Djs Tony C & Clint O’Neil with John Holt on one of Clint’s cruises to the Bahamas; DJ Lady C with MPQ at one of her Reggae & Soca Award shows; Clint’O at home at WLRN; longtime friend & DJ Amy “Night Nurse” Wachtel & me in NYC 2019; Papa Pilgrim, DJ at KRCL-FM, regular RR writer, & founder Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (RAW); DJ & historian Roger Steffens inside his LA home museum, So. Fla’s popular DJs Jamusa & Ron Burke with me in the early ’80s – Click Any Image to View!


SSmall Axe AwardsThis one & only award show was my brainchild. I envisioned an award voted for by fans & RR readers. Small Axe came to pass Oct. 25, 1986, inside the Konover Hotel Theater, Miami Beach. Jah bless the friends who performed: Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru, Judy Mowatt, Mother Booker, Muta, & more. Big up sponsors Red Stripe (Ken Bostwick) & Air Jamaica (Danny Chin.) Guests arrived in gowns & tuxes; many of them from out of town. I can’t thank enough everyone who helped make it a reality, especially my dear friend & co-producer, Teri Owens. It was an exciting & entertaining one-of-a-kind evening!

Dennis Brown-Best Male Vocalist performs; Dennis speaks to the audience; Black Uhuru-Best Singing Group perform; Assoc. Producer Cynthia Gonzalez, I. Jabulani Tafari-Stage Director, Co-Producer Teri Owens; the 3 MCs- Amy “Night Nurse” Wachtel, Barry G, & Clint O’Neil; That’s me receiving a Commendation from the City of Miami for my ‘efforts to unite Dade County’s multi-ethnic community’; Fab & Fun Audience; Hotel arrival day with Judy, Me, Bernard Collins, Dennis & friend; Logo art & Hexagram 16; Kenny Bostwick & I present Muta-the Ambassador Award winner- with the key to Miami; Me & the “Big Tree” backdrop; the unique Small Axe award – Click Any Image to View!


TThird World ­From early days with Ibo, Willie & Carrot in the 80s to the current group, led by Cat & Richie, this band is a big part of my-& RR-history. Featured on several covers & written about consistently, they are the only band I willingly let kidnap me in Antigua, after the 1994 Sweet Cry Freedom festival, for a few extra days of laughs & interviews. One highlight will always be our time spent in Marbella, Spain, 2008, where I coordinated the booking & Island Lounge 3-show tour along the fab Costa del Sol. This was the last time I got to spend time & laugh along with the late lead singer Bunny Rugs Clarke.

A fun day on a Florida beach with the band; I hosted a Third World panel at Miami Midem in 1996 (actually it was Miami Beach); V2#6 -1984- Third World’s 1st Cover; V16#3 1998 -Their final cover on our final issue; Poster from the grand Marbella show & tour 2008; Me & Ibo in Kingston, late 80s – Click Any Image to View!


UUK Special ­– A whirlwind tour of London resulted in our UK Special, an in-depth look inside the UK Reggae scene. In-person interviews with Maxi, Barrington, UB 40, & Mad Professor, along with Trojan & Greensleeves record execs were fun & enlightening. A visit to BBC allowed me to meet DJ David Rodigan & get interviewed by DJ Sister P. We made sure to visit our loyal distributors to say thanks for their support. And, tour guide/friend Maria Barry and I visited lots of pubs & clubs to enjoy a pint & take in some live music

Freddie, Stitchie & Maxi at BBC; Maxi & Me at VP/Hot 105, Ft. Laud; Chris Cracknell & Me at Greensleeves; UK Reggae Special 1989; Dub Vendor Owner & Me; Mad Professor & Me at Ariwa Studios; Me at Greater London Radio; Trojan’s Steve Barrow & Enzo Hamilton – Click Any Image to View!


VVP RecordsSuccessful in Jamaica, the Chin family set up VP Records in Queens NY, in the late ‘70s. By ‘83, VP was distributing records across the USA. Both of us being ‘fresh on the scene,’ we teamed up for several mutual promotions throughout the 80s & 90s. I found an ally in Randy Chin who took out ads, distributed the mag, funded our retail display boxes, & sponsored shows. We celebrated Reggae at France’s MIDEM in ’97 when Jamaica’s Showcase rocked Cannes! In the early 2000’s, VP Records licensed my Garnet Silk interview for one of its Garnet tribute albums. Matriarch Pat Chin received a Reggae Icon Award in 2021.

VP’s CEO Chris Chin, Founder Ms. Pat Chin, and President Randy Chin; VP Records is a Founding Member of the Reggae Report Archive; That’s me with VP’s Howie Chung & Randy Chin at their booth at MIDEM, Cannes 1997; Ms. Pat & I at the VP booth at the Jerk Fest in Queens 2019 – Click Any Image to View!


WWoody’s on the Beach – Lucky for me, selling an ad to Manager Richard Duncan turned into a months-long gig hosting Reggae Sundays at Rolling Stone’s guitarist Ron Woods’ popular South Beach namesake club. We raised money for JA after Hurricane Gilbert & presented local bands, where our parties were always a hit! We co-hosted shows with Ron & Toots (which made a RR cover!), Ron & the Neville Brothers, & more. We rocked out ‘til elderly neighbors complained about the loud music & large crowds.

Woody’s VIP Pass for Toots show; Ron & Toots with guitarist Errol Moore; Cover V6#8 1988 shot backstage after the show; Ronnie, MPeggyQ & Toots after the show; Ron & Toots have a chat; MPQ at our Halloween Party 1988 – Click Any Image to View!


XX-RatedDancehall burst on the scene in the late 80s & the males ruled. “Slackness,” defined as sexist, misogynistic & X-rated lyrics laid on synthesized riddims, triggered mucho controversy. Dancehall fashion was X-treme & fans loved it. Dancehall King Shabba Ranks received two Grammy’s for his slack-fueled LPs. Females were not X-cluded & Lady Saw bus’ down that door, going toe to toe with Dancehall Dons. Several Lady DJs followed–Lady G, Lady Cham, Lady Junie& their mixed messages included slackness & also stood up for women. Although personally appalled, RR featured Dancehall Rules! specials that presented hotly debated issues on both sides.

MPeggyQ & Shabba at Kingston event; Lady Saw doing her festival thing; My article “Clean Up Your Act” by Howard Campbell; Shabba cover 1991; a young X-rated Buju Banton; Shabba at daybreak, Sunsplash – Click Any Image to View!


YYellowmanA Dancehall pioneer, this fierce albino DJ stood out in multiple ways throughout the ’80s & ’90s. His catchy songs, explicit lyrics & provocative performances are unforgettable. In ’81, Yellowman became the first DH artist signed to an American record label. As director of 1982’s 4-day Caribbean Sunburst festival, we worked together when he was brought in to headline our 1st night. The ever-popular King Yellowman was regularly featured in RR issues & his legacy continues with his remarkable recording & performing career still today.

Yellowman on stage; King Yellow backstage with fans; Caribbean Sunburst poster 1982; Yellow & Sagittarius band in Key Biscayne; MPeggyQ & Yellow buck up in SoFla; MPQ & Yellow at Kingston’s Superjam fest 1983 – Click Any Image to View!


ZZap PowZap Pow is one of JA’s top bands ever. A ’70s favorite, their musicality & socially conscious lyrics showed they were way ahead of their time. Mikey Zappow, founder & leader, played Zap Pow’s music for me in ’82, soon after I hired him as Sunburst’s stage manager. In ’83, we started RR as a means to promote the music. He returned to JA in ’85, same year our daughter Arielle Grace was born. Mikey wrote the global theme “This is Reggae Music,” among several other popular & prolific songs, leaving me to hope all his children will someday benefit from their father’s legacy and receive his much-deserved singing & songwriting royalties.

Zap Pow 1973 Hits LP; Mikey Zappow Headshot ; “This is Reggae Music” single on Mango; Mikey Headshot #2, pics by me; Our label that produced & released Mikey’s Miami-release “Eh Eh”; Zap Pow Press Photos 1 & 2; Me, Mikey & 2-month-old Arielle on our way to Port Antonio ‘s Navy Island 1985 – Click Any Image to View!

Return of Ladies in Reggae 2008

The Return of LADIES IN REGGAE

by Lloyd Stanbury

Millie Small - the 1st Female Reggae Star
Millie Small – the 1st Reggae Star to Sell a Million Records!

Kingston, Jamaica – In the early days of Jamaican popular music, our female singers and songwriters played a major role in propelling our music onto the world stage. In fact, the first major international Jamaican hit recording was by one of Jamaica’s female pioneers, Millie Small, with her 1964 million-selling single “My Boy Lollipop.” Its success opened the doors for such artists as Phyllis Dillon, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Hortense Ellis, Pam Hall, Rita Marley, Carlene Davis, J.C. Lodge, Cynthia Schloss, Lorna Bennett, Dawn Penn, Sheila Hylton, and Nadine Sutherland, all of whom established themselves as mainstream recording and performing artists.

Etana - New Generation of Powerful Female Singers
Etana – New Generation of Powerful Female Singers

For some strange reason, however, the early achievements of our female artists did not result in the kind of follow-through seen by their male counterparts. For many years, we have failed to produce top-class female Reggae recording artists and performers. With the exception of the local and international successes of Diana King, Patra, Sasha, Foxy Brown, and Lady Saw, female Reggae and Dancehall artists have become a very scarce commodity over the last 25 years. Continue reading

Buju, Koffee & Skip Score NAACP Award Nods

Buju Banton, Koffee & Skip Marley Score Nods For 2021 NAACP Image Awards

Buju Banton
Buju Banton

 

Jamaica is well represented in the recently announced slate of NAACP Image Awards nominees. Dancehall legend Buju Banton and last year’s Grammy Award winner Koffee have both secured two nominations each for the Awards, while Reggae singer Skip Marley has earned one nod from the US-based civil rights organization.

 

Koffee
Koffee

In the Outstanding International Song category, Buju Banton has earned one nod for Blessed which appears on his Upside Down 2020 album. His second nomination in the same category was received for the Pressure (Remix) with Koffee, who also secured her second nod with the hit song Lockdown. Nigerian singers Davido and Tiwa Savage were also nominated in the category.

Skip Marley
Skip Marley

Meanwhile, Skip Marley‘s Higher Place from his EP of the same name earned him one nomination in the Outstanding New Artist category alongside Chika, Doja Cat, D Smoke, and Giveon. Marley wrote on Twitter yesterday that he was honored to be included among this group of nominees.

The 52nd annual ceremony will be simulcast on March 27 at 8 p.m. ET across Viacom CBS Networks.

~From Dancehallmag.com.  Click here for more details.

How to [Maybe] Get a Reggae Grammy Nomination 2020

The GRAMMY Nomination Process Simplified

Read & then check New Rules for 2021-22 & Membership Info HERE!

By M. Peggy Quattro

Grammy Award and Logo

Since 1958, the GRAMMYs have celebrated music excellence. It is the music community’s highest honor & its only peer-based award.

The GRAMMY is awarded to musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, & industry professionals.

Inside Jamaica’s Reggae community, there’s always much discussion about the USA GRAMMY Awards, especially the highly coveted Best Reggae Album Award.

Ever since the first Reggae GRAMMY went to Black Uhuru in 1985 (when it was called Best Reggae Recording), there’s been dissension in the Reggae family, along with confusion, arguments, debates, & disagreements surrounding why someone was nominated…or why not.

Let’s start with some facts: currently, there are  30 fields (General, Pop, Rock, Reggae, etc.) to be considered, as well as 84 distinct award categories across those fields. The Reggae category is for “an album containing at least 51% playing time of new Reggae recordings.”

To be clear, I am not an Academy member or a Reggae GRAMMY expert. However, I join others who are interested in how the “final five” selection comes about. So, I set out to educate myself & now I can share what I’ve learned with you.

What follows is information on the Recording Academy, how to join, & the GRAMMY Nomination process. Academy links are provided for more info. I truly hope this helps answer the countless questions as to how, when, who, and why a Reggae album ultimately acquires this sought-after recognition.


FIRSTLY – JOIN THE ACADEMY

Like the GRAMMY Awards, Recording Academy membership is community-driven & peer-reviewed on an annual cycle. Pay attention to the dates & deadlines!

You must be invited to join. To be considered for an invitation:

  1. Get two strong recommendations from music industry peers. (Click this link to learn how to get recommendations.)
  2. Your profile is completed only after your recommendations are received by the Academy & you tell them more about your career.* Profiles must be complete by midnight on March 1 to be considered for that year’s class.
    *Candidates will receive an email with a link & candidate code to complete their career profile.

New member submissions are considered by the Recording Academy’s Peer Review Panel each spring, & will approve memberships at its sole discretion after assessing your submission. 

Grammy Award photo If approved by Peer Review, candidates are invited to join the Recording Academy by July 9 and have until that year’s GRAMMY Awards voting deadline to accept.

*Become a Recording Academy member here*

 THE WHO & HOW

Who can enter recordings for consideration? Do I qualify?

The Recording Academy accepts entries online from Professional & Voting Members, as well as registered media companies. Members are permitted to submit their own eligible recordings as well as the recordings of their peers for consideration.

How do media companies submit product for GRAMMY consideration?

Record labels, distribution companies & management firms qualify as media companies. Media companies must register with the Recording Academy every year to submit/enter recordings. Once your media company registration has been confirmed, the Awards department will send the media company’s designated administrator detailed submission instructions.  More Academy FAQ’s here.


“The Reggae GRAMMY Category does need some change. But change won’t happen if Reggae artists are on the menu…but NOT at the table.”  ~Barbara Johnson, Media Exec


Read This Interesting  Committee Background

I highly recommend you read this clip from a 2014 article by friend, writer & major Dancehall & Reggae enthusiast ROB “Boomshots” KENNER. He tells of his experience as an Academy Screening Committee member while raising a few very interesting questions. (More on the process below.)

ROB:  “[The] screening committee goes through every single album that had been submitted—usually by record labels, but sometimes by members of the Recording Academy. (In a category like reggae, where much of the music is produced by smaller independent labels who may not be familiar with the GRAMMY entry process, the best records are sometimes not even submitted.)

“Members of that committee were not supposed to concern ourselves with quality—our job was to determine whether each album belonged in the reggae category. The rules stated that 51% of the album’s tracks had to consist of reggae music (a genre that includes such disparate styles as roots reggae, ska, dub, and dancehall.)


“…Famous people tend to get more votes from clueless Academy members, regardless of the quality of their work.”


“…Famous people tend to get more votes from clueless Academy members, regardless of the quality of their work. This is especially true in specialized categories like reggae…That’s the reason why famous names like Marley, Toots, and Sly & Robbie stand a much better chance of winning in the reggae category than, say, Beres Hammond.

[Rob soon paid his membership fee and joined the Recording Academy as a voting member. His story continues:] “Here’s how the process works: Voting members review lists of all the eligible recordings in each category (the ones generated by screening committees like mine.)

“Members are supposed to vote only in their fields of expertise—and in a maximum of 9 out of the 31 fields on the ballot… A few categories are reserved for special nominating committees, but frankly—not enough… In the final voting process, members are allowed to vote in even more categories—up to 20, plus the 4 general categories.

“Bottom line: the vast majority of the nominations are chosen by people who have little real expertise in a given field. I refrained from voting in heavy metal and classical because I know very little about those genres. But I could have if I wanted to, and that strikes me as a problem.”   Read Rob’s entire 2014 Complex.com article here.


“We don’t need a dancehall category…that would set us back…people are being fooled about separating dancehall from reggae…We’re always trying to create something instead of focusing on what we have and building that.” ~Ibo Cooper, JaRia


NOW, HERE’S THE PROCESS…

SUBMISSION
It begins with members & record companies submitting entries, which are then screened for eligibility and category placement. The Academy’s voting members, all involved in the creative & technical processes of recording, then participate in (1) the nominating process that determines the five finalists in each category; & (2) the final voting process which determines the GRAMMY winners.

SCREENING
After review by 350 experts in various fields, the screening committee places the album in its proper category. No artistic or technical judgments about the recordings are made. The entries move on to the nominating committee.

NOMINATING
First-round ballots are sent to voting members in good dues standing. To help ensure the quality of the voting, members are directed to vote only in their areas of expertise; they may vote in up to 15 categories in the genre fields plus the four categories of the General Field (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, & Best New Artist.) Ballots are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Deloitte.

FINAL VOTING   (Note: This is where I’m a little confused. The Reggae category is not sent to a Nominations Review Committee–see graphic below–before the final vote. The Reggae nominees selected from the first nominating committee go right to final vote, with no review. Maybe someone reading this can explain it to us.)grammy voting graphic Final-round ballots are then sent to voting members in good dues standing. In this final round, Recording Academy members may vote in up to 15 categories in the genre fields plus the four categories of the General Field.

So good people, that’s how it’s done!


More Helpful Info:

Key Dates for 2020-2021

  • Sept. 1, 2019—Aug. 31, 2020Product Eligibility Period
  • Sept. 30—Oct. 12, 2020: First-Round Voting—eligible members vote to determine the 2021 nominees!
  • Nov. 24: Nominations Announcement!
  • Dec. 7, 2020—Jan. 4, 202: Final-Round Voting—this round determines the GRAMMY winners!
  • Jan. 31, 2021: 63rd GRAMMY Awards & Premiere Ceremony (8 p.m.CBS)

Check it! Recent Academy Changes

You will notice that any terms that include the word urban* have been removed from category titles. The Recording Academy stated in November 2020 “that describing music as ‘urban’ and ‘urban contemporary’ has ‘historically been used as a way to separate Black artists’ from the (white) artistic mainstream.”
*Exception, one Latin category… go figure. 

2020 grammy award logoOther changes announced involve Best New Artist parameters & taking a closer look at all possible conflicts of interest.

Interestingly, “the Academy members who serve on its so-called nomination reviews committees, which determine the final nominees in most award categories, must disclose any connections they have to potentially nominated artists and projects.”

“Two glaring disclosures only now being asked are:  (1) Do you have any “immediate family ties” to a potential nominee? And (2) Will you as a voter, have any “direct or indirect financial ties” to a project or artist under consideration?”

But, as with all vague changes & GRAMMY nominations, there are questions, controversies, and contention. 

LASTLY – ABOUT PROMOTION

Labels, artists & media companies are welcome to promote their album but must follow these Voting & Solicitation Guidelines, i.e., voters may not accept money or anything of value for a vote, no agreement to trade votes, & voters must not be influenced in any other way other than their own analysis of merit.


I hope this helps you understand the GRAMMY Awards nomination & voting process. If you like this info or have a question, say so in the comments below.

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Damian Marley on Family and Recording with Nas 2011

Damian “Junior Gong” Marley Interview  –  Perth, Australia 2011

By Mumma Trees

Ed. Note: In Australia for the 2011 4-day Good Vibrations Fest, Damian Marley, along with his latest collab partner Nas, were featured artists on a stellar festival lineup that included Faithless, Ludacris, Janelle Monae, and Erykah Badu. Prior to the show, Perth radio personality and journalist Mumma Trees caught up with the young Marley in Miami via phone.  Featured photo by Jan Salzman. Watch the Damian & Nas video “Nah Mean” below or on our YouTube channel.  

Early Days & Inspirations

Damian Marley by Lee Abel
Damian Marley * Photo Lee Abel

How did you start, Damian, what made you get up there and do what you do?

Well, I mean I think it goes without saying that I have an obvious influence from my family, you know my father, and of course, my older brothers and sisters are all involved in music. But growing up as a child, I used to go to a lot of concerts in Jamaica and watch some of my personal musical heroes, which would be people like Shabba Ranks and Supercat, who are some of the earlier Dancehall artists. I used to watch them perform and that’s really what got me into wanting to perform myself.

That’s interesting because your brothers are singers, but you have chosen the deejay style.

Yeah. And that’s definitely because of that same influence… like the first music I bought for myself was Dancehall music.

Are there any current Dancehall artists who are doing things that you admire?

Yeah, I mean, lots of them, I am a big fan of music in general, you know wha I mean, so I try my best to keep up-to-date with what’s going on, especially in Jamaica. I mean lots of them, you have Mavado, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel, you have loads of them, and I am a fan of their music.

You mention Vybz Kartel, what’s your opinion of the slackness in Dancehall music coming out in the last few years from artists like him?

I mean, the music I bought as a child was slack also. And I am a big advocate of freedom of speech. You have to be free to say something negative, to be free to say something positive. So I am a big advocate of that. And realistically, you know music is an honest way of making a living. You know, somebody could be out there doing something that isn’t…. Music don’t really hurt nobody. So if Vybz Kartel is making an honest living for himself, you have to respect that.

Damian, Stephen, Julian Marley
Damian, Stephen, & Julian Marley – W. Palm Beach * Photo Lynn Dearing 2010

Were you close with your brothers and sisters growing up?

We were very close growing up. Every vacation, summer holidays, I would always go and spend a few weeks with them, and you know, we were very close from when I was a child.

When you have performed with your brothers, it has been as the “Ghetto Youths Crew,” are you still working together on that?

Well, we still are a team, but performing as the Ghetto Youths Crew, we haven’t done that in many years now. But we still definitely work as a team. We have a whole lot of new young artists we are working with and getting ready to release some projects next year.

Collaboration with Nas

Your latest collaboration with Nas has been a huge worldwide hit. Can you tell me about the album title Distant Relatives?

Nas and Damian Marley
Nas & Damian Marley in Florida *. Photo Alex Broadwell

It’s called Distant Relatives because of different reasons. Nas and myself, being that we are ‘distant relatives,’ Hip-Hop and Reggae as two genres of music being ‘distant relatives.’ Then on a bigger scale now, all of humanity, because the album itself has the concept of Africa intertwined throughout the whole album. We are trying to say that all of humanity comes from the same birthplace, Africa. So, all of us as humanity are ‘distant relatives.’

Speaking of Africa, I have seen videos of you and your brothers performing in Ethiopia. Have you performed in any southern African country? 

I have performed in Ethiopia and Ghana, but those are the only places in Africa I have visited so far. But for sure, my father’s song is the national anthem of Zimbabwe. So, that’s definitely a place I want to go and visit.

You had a couple of big tunes a few years ago produced by Baby G, The Mission and One Loaf of Bread. Are you planning to do any more work with Trevor Baby G?

It’s funny you say that because he is actually here in Miami. We have been doing some work together over the last few weeks. We’re trying to get a few Dancehall tracks together, so actually, I have a few tracks with Baby G being released in the next few weeks.

You are coming to Perth as part of the Good Vibrations festival, a great national festival, what can we expect from your performance here with Nas?

Nas & Damian Marley
Nas & Damian Marley, Pompano Beach, FL *. Photo Alex Broadwell

You can expect the best of both worlds. You can expect a great coming together of two genres of music. We do some of the tracks together that we have on the album, then the both of us give a little bit of our own catalogue of music. You gonna get a nice mix of Hip-Hop and Reggae.

Do you have a message for the Perth people?

Yeah man, tell dem Love and we will be there soon. Respect.

Nas & Damian “Zilla” Marley – “Nah Mean” from 2010’s Distant Relatives LP

Best of the 2000s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buju Banton: Dancehall’s DJ Prince – 1992 Reggae History

Love Mi Buju: Dancehall’s Ruff ‘n Gruff DJ Prince

By Simon Buckland      V10#5 1992

Buju Banton Cover v!0#5 1992Seriously troubling all the more established Dancehall DJs this year is Buju Banton, a young man with stylish but homely aspirations. Ghetto-born Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie, at only 19, has, in the space of just five months, risen from interesting but run-of-the-mill Kingston DJ to front runner in the ‘92 Superstar Stakes.

True, he doesn’t have anything like the striking bone structure of the man he’s compared to – Shabba Ranks (whom I shan’t even mention ‘cause the two are, according to Buju, ‘two different kekkle of fish’) – but his reassuringly gruff warmth is usually a little less (How shall we say it?) raw! Continue reading