By Eddie J. Grant, Contributor TORONTO:
WELL-KNOWN REGGAE artistes Johnny Clarke and Half Pint were among several veteran performers who shone brightly at the recently held 20th Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards at the Travelodge Hotel in Toronto.
The two joined a galaxy of international and Canadian-based artistes who gave sterling performances at the show, much to the delight of the appreciative audience who came to see their favourite reggae acts.
The night was also one of accolades for Clarke and Half Pint. They were presented with the International Award of Merit. The presentation of awards took place in between performances.
Other international performers such as Winston Dias, Dobby Dobson and Barbara Jones might not have won awards, but they certainly won the hearts of their fans by putting on scintillating performances. Jones received a lengthy encore from the fans. But it was Dobby Dobson along with Clarke and Half Pint who had fans dancing in the aisle.
TOP FORM
Former Toronto resident Winston Dias was also in top form delivering a classic version of Larry Graham's hit song One In A Million. Dias's rendition of the song earned him a long loud applause from an audience that included former Toronto mayoral candidate John Tory, and former 100 metre track star Ben Johnson.
Among the artistes that received awards were Jimmy Reid 'Top Reggae Singer' (male) and 'Top Reggae Single'; Avetha 'Top Newcomer' (female); Loydel Reid Top Newcomer (male); 'Top Reggae Band' The Sattalites; 'Top Dancehall-style DJ' (female) Donna Makeda; 'Top Reggae Dancehall-style' (male) Daddy Rusty; 'Top Reggae Singer' (female) Pamela Maynard, who also won an award for 'Top Gospel Album'.
Other winners included Leroy Brown 'Top Reggae Producer'; The Webb 'Top Soca/Calypso Album'; and Kay Morris 'Top Reggae Gospel Singer' (female).
DJ AWARDS
Jonathan 'Juiceman' Shaw, a DJ on FLOW FM, was the recipient of the 'Bob Marley Memorial Award'. Delroy Graham, host of the Delroy G. Showcase heard each Saturday evening on CHR Y Radio, was presented with the 'Canadian Radio DJ Award' for playing the most records by Canadian-based artistes.
Two other International Award winners were Morgan Heritage and Sizzla. Morgan Heritage's popular single, She Is Still Loving Me, won Top Single. Sizzla's Da Real Thing earned him the 'Top International Album' award.
Winston Hewitt, president of the Caribbean Reggae Music Awards, was presented with the 'Longevity Award' for his contribution to the music industry and for hosting the annual event.
Overall, it was an entertaining show, which saw first-class performances from both local and international artistes.
