MARCIA Griffiths and the late Bob Marley shared the honours during Wednesday night's staging of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians Awards at the Little Pub in Ocho Rios.
The show was marred, however, by the absence of many of the award winners.
The awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to the industry covered several categories including live performances, production, bands, shows and posthumous awards.
Marley and Griffiths were both bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Griffiths also won an award for Best Female Vocalist. She accepted the award on behalf of the late reggae icon for whom she, Judy Mowatt and Marley's widow Rita, sang back up as the I-Three.
"I am sure Bob would have appreciated all these awards if he was alive. We cannot read our own tombstones so please give us when we are alive," she said.
She then brought the house down with one of her all time favourites -- Truly. The audience sang along with her and wanted more.
Unfortunately, not many awardees were present to share the occasion. Papa San, Glacia Robinson, and Carlene Davis, who all won awards for gospel were no shows. So too was Capleton who was voted Deejay of the Year, Junior Kelly, for Best New Artiste and Lady Saw, Best Female Deejay.
Isaiah Laing of Supreme Promotions was also absent but his award for Best Dancehall Production was accepted by a representative.
"Suzy Q" collected awards for Shaggy -- Best International Artiste and Best Single (It Wasn't Me).
CeCile wouldn't have missed this ceremony for anything. Wearing a body-hugging pants and halter blouse she accepted her award for Best Female Artiste, while Richard Browne, in a dazzling black outfit, captured the award for Top Record Producer for 2000.
Dorraine Samuels and Allan Magnus who received awards for outstanding achievements in radio were also absent.
