The queen of dancehall, Spice, walked away with the most coveted prizes at the first Jamaica International Music Awards (JIMA) held in Sunrise, Florida on Monday (February 28).

The Grammy-nominated artiste walked away with the ‘Best Female Reggae/Dancehall Album’ trophy with 10, moments after her single Go Down Deh won ‘Song of the Year’.

Spice was not present to accept her award but provided thank you speeches via video to her fans and the organisers.

Other big winners for the night were Kevin Downswell, who won ‘Best Gospel Artiste’; Shaniel Muir for ‘Best New Artiste’; ‘Best DJ in South Florida’, which went to Danger Kid; and Kurt Riley, winner of ‘Best DJ in Jamaica’ award.

Accolades were also bestowed on Masicka, who was awarded ‘Best Male Reggae/Dancehall Album ‘of the year through the critically acclaimed LP 438.

The inaugural Jamaica music awards saw a small crowd on location in South Florida and those who tuned in on Instagram TV. The chief organizer of the event, Norman Lawrence, was very pleased with the outcome.

Event a ‘resounding success’

Speaking with CNW Network, Lawrence remarked, “We are ecstatic at how JIMA has come to life. Last year, it was just a thought in our minds, and through the hard work and long hours dedicated by the committee, we delivered a show that did what we intended – ‘owned & honoured our music.’ However, the true mark of a successful event is the impact on the audience. By that standard, Jamaica International Music Awards was a resounding success as the ‘what a great evening’ and ‘make sure you keep it going!’ comments received from attendees were too numerous to count. I am proud of the work that our team did.”

He declared that planning for next year’s event will begin immediately, promising that it will be bigger & better. Several pioneers and prominent ambassadors of Jamaica’s music were honoured.

They include Byiome ‘I Octane’ Muir, who provided entertainment for the evening. He was recognised for his humanitarian efforts. Eddy Edwards was honoured for his Long Service & Pioneering Leadership in Entertainment, Marketing & Events for over 20 years.

Carlton “Spragga Benz” Grant got a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Jamaica’s music industry. Industry stalwart awards were presented to Stone Love and Metro Media, while Ricardo ’Supa Twitch’ Sanchez got recognition for his 33 years of worldwide involvement in the music industry.

See major categories and winners listed below:

Best Female Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP 2021 | Spice, “10”        

Best Male Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP | Mascika, “438”   

Best New Reggae/Dancehall Artiste | Shaniel Muir     

Best Reggae Gospel Artiste | Kevin Downswell            

Best DJ, South Florida | Danger Kid        

Best DJ, Jamaica | Kurt Riley    

Song of the Year | “Go Down Deh” by Spice, Shaggy and Sean Paul

Lifetime Achievement Award| Ewart ‘Mad Cobra’ Brown and Carlton ‘Spragga Benz’ Grant

Industry Stalwart Award | Stone Love and Metro Media

(Milestone) 33 years in the Music Industry Local & Overseas | Ricardo’ Supa Twitch’ Sanchez                

Contribution and Work in the Reggae & Dancehall Music Industry | Richard Mark ‘Honorebel’ Bailey         

Support to the Community – Humanitarian Award | Byiome ‘I Octane’ Muir