By Vinette K. Pryce
               
On a night when his father was hailed by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences with an induction to the Grammy Hall of Fame, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley stepped up twice, making history as the first reggae/Jamaican recording artist to win multiple awards in one year.

Collecting for his win in the best urban/alternative performance category, the youngest of the Marley performers emerged the first reggae/Jamaican to take the honor. In making his claim, the son of Robert Nesta Marley also champions another feat by winning three Grammy’s with the same amount of recording history.

His first win in 2001 for “Half-Way-Tree” marked his second album and the first release from an alliance and production deal his big brother Stephen signed with Motown Records. It had been widely speculated that his “Welcome To Jamrock” nomination in the Best Reggae area would steal the thunder from contenders Sean Paul, Shaggy, Third World and Burning Spear.
A popular radio hit, the single played here in the US throughout the summer, detailing a gruesome but honest account of his birthplace, the island many tourists regard as paradise.
The controversy met well with record buyers who packed retail outlets during the first week of release to make the Motown/Universal release an historic seller for the genre.

Marley toured in support of his product, venturing to audiences and markets that demanded added airplay of his music. He defended his perspective on “Jamrock” claiming it “the other side” of the story rarely told for fear of discouraging visitors. Wednesday the deejay proved that honest, heart-felt lyrics count for something.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was one the first to send congratulatory messages.
“Jamaica and all Jamaicans throughout the diaspora are proud of you,” the message read.
The leader was especially gleeful that the young Marley had won a category where predominant U.S. artists are acclaimed. Marley won over Floetry, Gorillaz, Mos Def and Van Hunt to win the Best Urban Alternative Performance.

He said the victory is a testimony to Marley's remarkable talent as a recording artiste, as well as the consciousness of the messages portrayed in his music. He also said that the nomination confirmed that Jamaican music was enjoying worldwide acclaim and is making a significant impact on many peoples and cultures around the world. The significant achievement was evidence that reggae has and would continue to break down more barriers around the world.

Reggae stalwarts have been pleading for a second category to offer opportunities to the wide spectrum of recorders that claim the hard-driving beat as their preference. Petitions for a dancehall category has been sent to NARAS annually with a hope that reggae can be represented in two forms.

Fans claim that had NARAS instituted a dancehall category, Marley may have walked away a one-night, triple winner with Mariah Carey, Kanye West, and John Legend. Now a three-time Grammy winner, Damian on one evening, rivals his elder brothers’ achievements whose collaborations as Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers won consecutively in 1988 and 1989 and again in 1997. Ironically, Damian’s debut in 1996, sky-rocketed the young deejay to international notice with a title, “Mr. Marley.”

His follow-up, “Half-Way-Tree” claimed his first miniature gramophone. This double win is especially gratifying for Damian and the entire Marley family because “Welcome To Jamrock” was co-produced with his brother Stephen. Additionally, the honor was presented on the same night his father was honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences inducting his father’s “Exodus” to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

And the triple treat and icing on the cake, is that his glory occurred during the week of the anniversary of his father’s 61st birthday. Bob Marley’s gala anniversary celebration was held Feb. 5 in Accra, Ghana at the International Trade Center. Damian along with brothers Stephen, Kymani and Julian performed in the African capital. The triple, Grammy winner begins a European tour on Feb. 28th in Dublin, Ireland. Somalian act K’naan, and Nigeria’s Femi Kuti will compliment the showcase in various European cities. The tour ends in June in California after stopping in Japan.