Tarrus Riley rules at Reggae Academy Awards

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Milton Raynor

It was a night with a difference, a special night, signifying the dawn of a new day in Jamaican music. It was the first staging of the Reggae Academy Awards. It signified a new day because, it represented an award concept in Reggae that got the nod of approval from a wider audience of experts.

"And the award for the Best Solo Male Dancehall Vocalist goes to"; and fans seated towards the back of National Indoor Sports Centre, bellowed, "Busy Signal!" Much to everyone's delight, he was announced the winner. The ceremony was void of ridiculous surprises, and so all received their just rewards.

On entering the venue, YardFlex observed that something special was about to take place. The National Indoor Sports Centre had been given an ambiance, that shouted, "This is something first-world and first class." The stage, lighting, big screens, sound effects the show host and performances, all displayed the handy work of what must have been a highly skilled and trained production team.

The introductions ended and the presentations began. At the end of it all Omar "Tarrus" Riley was the toast of the ceremony, winning in the categories, "Best Breakthrough Artiste 2007," "Best Solo Male Vocalist," "Most Popular Song" - "She Royal" and "Best Reggae Song."

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Other winners on the night were:

Best Reggae Album - Stephen Marley

Best Reggae Compilation Album (Executive Producer's Award) - Jamdown Riddim Driven, Delmar Drummond/Dangerzone

Best International Artist – Collie Buddz

Best Dancehall Rhythm - Steven McGregor

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Best Dub Recording or Album - Live As One Album, Zion Train

Best Dancehall Vocal Performance (Duo, Group) - Love Is Wicked, Brick and Lace

Best Producer - Stephen Marley

Best Solo Male Dancehall Vocalist - Busy Signal

Best Dancehall Album - Shaggy, Intoxication

Best Dancehall Video Director – Jay Will

Best Reggae Vocal Performance (Duo, Group, Collaboration) – On My Mind, Da'Ville & Sean Paul

Best Gospel Song (Songwriter's Award) - Can't Stop Now, Kemoy Rowe, William Barclay and Courick Clarke

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Best Instrumental - Robbie Lyn, Making Notes

Best Reggae Riddim (Producer's Award) - Guardian Angel,Arif Cooper/Fresh Ear

Best Gospel Song, Katalyst Crew

Best Gospel Album-Prodigal Son

Best Dancehall Compilation (two or more artiste Big Ship Music)
(Executive Producer's Award) - Tremor Riddim Driven, Stephen McGregor

Best Break-Through Male Dancehall Artist- Munga Honourable

Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist – Etana

Best Solo Performance - Lady Saw

Best Gospel Music Video (Video Director's Award) - Gully People Supen, Abdrew Grey

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Most Popular Artiste - Beenie Man

Special Awardees

Reggae Icon Award- Bob Marley

Reggae Trailblazer Award - Chris Blackwell

Reggae Living Legend Award- Ernest Ranglin

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stephen gascoigne

ernest ranglin...the living legend...brilliant,i saw him in ja when i was 13,and again recently in fremantle,western australia,he was wonderful then and is sublime now....thanks ernest,for all the music, from ernest on bond street to staight flush and everything between...best regards steven gascoigne,mullaloo,w.a.

titi

how Etana win award over Ifrica something is wrong with that.

Imani

Too Bad probbaly was not included because it was released in 2006. But if it was releaesed in 2007, Buju and the Album would have cleaned up at the show... at least i can onlu hope that real talent and hard work is recognized.

barbara smith

bless mr.ranglin. am so glad u got there. its a bouttime some body look back. to wher the music is coming from. yes mr.g.g. u get the award. some one menber. the vetaran. the foundation. for the blcok.ladyann say thank for looking back.

Stacy Ann

Somebody please tell Queen Ifrica WON female artist, lyrist, performer, songwriter of the year. If Ifrica did not win an award, then this thing is a fraud, and what else i'm hearing Gargamel wasn't recognized either. Somebody please correct me becuz i don't know who all the winners are. All me know is that Gargamel Too Bad was the best of the 07 and Ifrica well her lyrist along deserve Best female reggae artist of the real. I am happy to know that JA is doing something positive, but make sure it PROPER.