All Jamaican finalists including Shaggy, Sean Paul and Koffee
Unlike last year, Jamaica can’t lose reggae category of the 65th annual Grammy Awards set for Los Angeles, California tonight (February 5).
It’s an all-star, Jamaican, line-up for the finals in the form of Shaggy, Sean Paul, Koffee, Kabaka Pyramid and Protoje. The albums making it on the final list are “The Kalling” by Kabaka Pyramid, “Gifted” by Koffee, “Third Time’s The Charm” by Protoje, “Scorcha” by Sean Paul and “Come Fly Wid Me” by Shaggy.
Last year disgruntled fans of the reggae genre complained about a group from Virginia named, SOJA winning the Best Reggae Album category. The fact that a non-Jamaican group beat out any home-grown recorder did not sit well with more than a few aficionados.
In past years, complaints were levied against British group, Steel Pulse while more than a few have contended that whenever a Marley family member is nominated there is no impartiality with voters. Despite his nationality and repute, Lee Scratch Perry has even received criticism for winning the category with unpopular tunes.
Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson being honoured
Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy and his business partner Smokey Robinson are being honoured with a special gala, tribute/salute to their pioneering launch of the Detroit-based music label. Named Musicares Persons of the Year, they are the first joint honorees in the organization’s 32-year history.
Stars slated to pay tribute to the visionaries include: The Temptations, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Valerie Simpson, the Isley Brothers, Dione Warwick. Sheryl Crow, and others. “These artists are my friends and I not only love them but I’m honored that they will be performing my music along with hits from the Motown catalog,” Robinson said in a statement.
South African funnyman, Trevor Noah is hosting this year’s Grammy Awards show, which begins at 8 p.m. on CBS-TV. The former host of the Daily Show plans to fete a celestial of stars assembled for a global party.
According to the three-time emcee, “it’s the biggest music concert in the world.” Performers include Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo and Bad Bunny among a myriad of celebrated talents.
Ben Winston, executive producer commented: “It’s going to be the most star-studded room the Grammy’s has been for many, many years.”
Beyoncé at it again
Pop diva Beyoncé, who has won more Grammy Awards than any other female leads every other contender with nine nominations. The Texas native could make history on Grammy’s big night if she wins a single miniature, golden gramophone.
She only needs to win one to emerge the winner of the most overall Grammy wins having won 28 Grammy and nominated 79 times. Now tied with Quincy Jones, Beyoncé is hoping she will add to her cache by taking all nine and particularly the Album of the Year nod which has been elusive.
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