CaribZone Commentary - And the 2020 Reggae Grammy Goes to, Any Marley??

NEW YORK. NY Tuesday, November 26, 2019 – Let’s be thankful for the season of eating, and may the Gravy flow on your Turkey, or whatever you choose to put Gravy on.

With the announcement of the 2020 Nominees in the Best Reggae Album in Reggae Category, and the presence of another Marley, we find it fitting to repeat Mr. Campbell’s commentary from last week. 

1.     RAPTURE - Koffee

2.     AS I AM - Julian Marley

3.     THE FINAL BATTLE: SLY & ROBBIE VS. ROOTS RADICS - Sly & Robbie & Roots Radics

4.     MASS MANIPULATION - Steel Pulse

5.     MORE WORK TO BE DONE - Third World

Campbell Commentary from 11/26/19 (with edits)

Reggae Grammy Overload

It has to do with our culture and heritage, very important benchmarks in determining who we are, now that we are detached from our place of origin.

In a matter of hours, we will know the five (5) albums that made the cut for consideration for the top prize in music. The American Academy of Recording Arts & Science will hand out the coveted Grammy Awards in February, next year.

Just in case you are following the developments, the Weekly Star newspaper, serving the Caribbean communities in the USA and Canada, carried a front-page story, making much to do about the fact that some 100 albums were submitted for consideration, something of an anomaly!

And if you find yourself asking the question…by whose standard, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, you are in good company!

Asked his opinion during our ‘power hour’ conversation – WSNR, 620 AM – on Saturday afternoon, Richard Lue said the matter was nothing more than a storm in a teacup!

Having more albums in front of the record jury is the right the thing to do for the further development of the music, the origin of which, until recently, it was in serious question.

Not so long ago, folks could be heard questioning the legitimacy of the music and whether of not only one family knows how to make good reggae music.

It is, therefore, safe to say that with more than 120 albums submitted, those in the business have gotten the message. Unless the work of art is taken from under the bushel and presented for judging, the result will always face unfavorable questioning!

Another point that Richard made was that given the worldwide  appeal of the music (genre) if more of the real, authentic stuff from ‘yard’ is not presented, the industry will continue to suffer from substandard work due to a lack of resources.

In other words, if we don’t go out and purchase the music through the proper channels, then we should not be surprised when the top prize ends up elsewhere.