By Vinette K. Pryce
New York, USA
The name Marley proved a winner in eight categories, the most ever recorded for the
25-year-old International Reggae & World Music Awards. Beginning with consistent gains accomplished by Damian “Junior Gong” Marley who commanded six of the total, the family name claimed wins for hosting an international celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday as well as rewards for contribution for the music label the king of reggae founded and named Tuff Gong.
Amongst the celebrated IRAWMA stars that converged on Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, Junior Gong proved his own moon, repeating the same crowd pleasing element his father displayed in 1979 when the icon appeared at the landmark Theatre.He managed to unseat the black-tie audience who rose to sing, dance and greet the celebrated offspring whose appearance on the stage of the best-known showplace of Black America, marked significance for the genre, the family name and a tradition. He brought along his own band, his flag-waving, strong man Donovan and an entourage that included his niece Doneisha.
From a red-carpet entrance with Nashville, Tenn. visitors Music Mafia, to the stage, the Junior Gong caused patrons to leap from their seats in order to parody his words. The crowd erupted with cheers and stood unanimously when he sang his first notes. Nas joined him to duet “Road To Zion,” a track the r&b name recorded on the album. The best-seller single “Welcome To Jamrock” earned the best reception of any performer.To close the historic event Damian induced his father’s presence by invoking the words of the “One Love” anthem.
Inviting all performers to join him onstage, the 2006, two-time Grammy winner closed the 25th annual International Reggae & World Music Awards that for the first time was held at the world renowned showplace. Throughout the evening, the youngest of Bob Marley’s children encircled the orchestra section of the theatre six times responding to winning categories he was nominated for his “Welcome To Jamrock” Universal Records release. Twice recalled after walking up the steps, across the stage, along the aisle to the rear, Junior Gong barely reached his seat before he had to retrace his steps to collect another of the golden trophies.
He won six, the highest one-night win of any of any nominated artist in this century. Previous multi-award winner were Beenie Man in 1999 and Shabba Ranks in 1992. Following the tradition of Apollo legends Luther Vandross, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and so many legendary names, the son of a legend was first to touch the tree of hope before accepting his trophy.
It was the late Ralph Cooper who first introduced touching a tree stump named “the tree of hope” in a gesture that indicated good luck would follow Amatuer Night appearances and acceptance from the critical audiences. Junior Gong’s talent preceded luck on May 6 to place him top ranking in the theater. In accepting his prizes he acknowledged his brother Stephen who produced the winning album and with whom he shared songwriting credits.
Marley won the best music video, recording artist of the year, best song, best album/cd, best songwriter, and to top it off, the entertainer of the year award.
His aunt Doneisha accepted the latter.
The eldest grand-child of the Bob and Rita Marley legacy took the opportunity to laud the election of Jamaica’s first Prime Minister Portia Simpson. She also mentioned the 62nd birthday anniversary celebration of her grandfather which she announced would be held in South Africa next February. Last year’s anniversary concert, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia also won votes by beating out reggae concerts held in Germany, Jamaica and Florida adding to the Marley collection for concert of the year. All in all the Marley name managed to corral eight IRAWMA awards with Christy Barber, President of the Marley-owned Tuff Gong Records claiming a special honor of appreciation for contribution to the music industry. “I am committed to supporting these reggae awards because I know how difficult it is for promoters to continue to hold them. Ephraim (Martin) has been doing it for 25 years. He deserves all the support he can get.” Barber was accompanied by her mother and sister as well as friends who had never experienced an all-reggae showcase. “This is awesome,” John Nicholson, general manager of Music Mafia said. “To see people like Marcia Griffiths and Machel Montano were a real treat.”
Barber, a 15-year veteran who worked previously with Beenie Man, Super Cat and others said she will continue to support reggae awards. Prior to the honors Barber asked NBC’s Jay Leno if in introducing Junior Gong to a Tonight Show audience if he would mention the awards.
Leno complied. Other performers on the bill included Gyptian, Mutabaruka, Alton Ellis, Macka Diamond, Jewish deejay Benny Bwoy, and Half Pint. Appearances by Capleton, Eddy Grant, and actor Leon also marked the occasion.
2006 Winners of the IRAWMA Honors At The Apollo Theatre, May, 6:
Bob Marley Award For Entertainer of the Year: Damian Marley
Recording Artist(s) / Group of the Year: Damian Marley
Best Male Vocalist: Jah Cure
Best Female Vocalist: Marcia Griffiths
Best Song: "Welcome to Jamrock"-Damian Marley
Best Album/CD: "Welcome to Jamrock"-Damian Marley
Best Crossover Song: "We Be Burning"-Sean Paul
Best Gospel - Oriented Song: "Real & Personal" -Papa San
Best Male D.J./Rapper: Beenie Man
Best Female D.J./Rapper: Macka Diamond
Best New Entertainer: Matisyahu
Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer: Machel Montano
Best Reggaeton Entertainer: Daddy Yankee
Best Latin Entertainer: Shakira
Best Compas/Racine Entertainer: Sweet Mickey
Best African Entertainer: Youssou N' Dour
Best Soukous Entertainer: Papa Wembe
Best Hip Hop Entertainer: Kanye West
Award for Outstanding Contribution to World Music: Mamadou Diabate
Most Outstanding Stage Personality: Capleton
Best Music Video: "Welcome To Jamrock"-Damian Marley
Best Poet: Mutabaruka
Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer: Luciano
Most Outstanding Show Band/Group: TOK
Most Consistent Entertainer: Freddie McGregor
Most Promising Entertainer: Gyptian
Most Improved Entertainer: Kip Rich
Best Instrumentalist: Dean Fraser
Best Backing Band: Sly & Robbie/Taxi Gang
Most Popular Sound System/Selector: Stone Love
Concert of the Year: Africa Unite-Ethiopia
Promoter of the Year: Linkup Media
Producer of the Year: Don Corleon
Songwriter of the Year: Stephen & Damian Marley
Community Service Award: Wyclef Jean
Emperor Haile Selassie I Award for Spiritual Service Through Music: Luciano
Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award: Danny Glover, Bono & Harry Belafonte
International Reggae & World Music
HALL OF FAME
Life Time Inductees
Alton Ellis
Eddy Grant
Martin's International / Inter-Culture
Award of Honor
Clyde McKenzie
Glen Adams
Ofori Amponsah
Producer's "Respect" Award
Elephant Man
Special Award of Appreciation for
Outstanding Contributions to the Music Industry
Peter Schwartz - The Agency
Myshjua Archibald - Eight 76 Records
Cristy Barber - Tuff Gong Records
Massive B - Bobby Konder and Jabba
Lance O
Andre Porter
Jeff Sarge
Ruff Stuff Band/Studio
|
