Reggae music in all its glory by Canadian acts lit up the Rose Theatre in Toronto on Sunday, September 28, for the second annual Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA), which unfolded earlier than a packed viewers of business veterans and younger expertise. The night was proof of the style’s highly effective legacy with glimpses of the extraordinarily shiny future that lies forward.
“That is greater than an award present. It’s a motion,” Roadblock/Reggae North Radio host Sandy Daley informed Caribbean Nationwide Weekly.
Occasion founder and producer Tony Anthony agreed, as he mirrored on the unimaginable journey the awards’ present has taken him on.
“The response from the group, the artists, and the broader Canadian music fraternity has been humbling,” he confessed. “What brings us the best pleasure is seeing how the awards have impressed reggae and Caribbean artists to maintain creating, realizing their work is valued and celebrated on a nationwide stage.”
A number of Juno award winner Exco Levi, who was nominated in 5 classes, walked away with the ‘Album of the 12 months’ award for his album ‘Born to Be Free.’ Launched in March 2024, the 15-track disc was a collaboration with Jamaican producer Donovan Germain.
Singer Steele, who gained Male Reggae Music of the 12 months award in 2024, returned this yr to assert the Male Vocalist of the 12 months title. An overjoyed Steele was humbled by the popularity, posting on his Instagram web page, “A lot thanks mi household.”
Steele is understood for hit songs ‘What’s Improper Wid Wi,’ ‘Slave Driver,’ and ‘Lady,’ which have earned him a JUNO nomination. Different prime winners included Ammoye, who picked up awards for Entertainer of the 12 months and Feminine Vocalist of the 12 months; Dancehall Single of the 12 months (Feminine) “Cash Bounx” — Tiffanie Malvo; Reggae Single of the 12 months (Male) “Chosen” — Inoah and Reggae Single of the 12 months (Feminine) “How Lengthy” – Blk- Orchid.
The Dwelling Legend awards and tributes to Nana McLean and Grandmaster Rosa have been a particular second for all in attendance.
“Nana McLean has paved the best way for Canadian reggae together with her highly effective voice and authenticity, whereas Rosa has saved dancehall tradition alive via sound system tradition,” Tony Anthony shared. “Recognizing them is about preserving historical past and galvanizing the following technology.”
McLean, whose profession spans over 4 many years, is usually hailed because the ‘Queen of Canadian Reggae. Her adorned profession contains profitable a Juno Award in 1997.
“Honoring Nana and Rosa was very particular. They’ve been pillars within the development of reggae, dancehall, and Caribbean tradition in Canada,” Anthony shared.
“This honor celebrates her (Nana) enduring legacy as each an artist and a cultural ambassador,” he added.
Talking about Rosa Inexperienced, Anthony mentioned, “For years, he has been a driving drive in bringing the vitality of dancehall to Canadian audiences, creating areas the place the music, the group, and the tradition thrive.’
The RNMA additionally served as an inspiring platform for youthful voices, together with twelve-year-old singer/actress Jazmin Headley. The younger star beamed with delight after strolling the pink carpet and sitting via the shows.
“Strolling the pink carpet was really an incredible expertise. This time was additional particular, on condition that it was for my group and for the reggae style. The expertise was empowering. Being part of such an incredible present was phenomenal,” she exclaimed!
She singled out assembly singer Nana McLean as a excessive level for her.
“My dad, who was with me, expressed how honoured and humbling it felt for him to see me with Nana. This was a stupendous second. It was historic for all of us all. It’s a second I’ll always remember.”
Roadblock Radio host Sandy Daley mentioned the spotlight for her was the glowing tribute to Nana McClean and different legends, including that the award present reaffirmed the significance of nurturing Canadian expertise.
“It’s extraordinarily essential for Canada to acknowledge its personal reggae expertise and stars, as too typically we glance exterior at others because the epitome of success. Tony Anthony, the founding father of ReggaeNorth Radio, is a visionary who should be applauded,” she urged.
When requested in regards to the course of used to pick out winners within the numerous classes, Anthony mentioned, “We’ve a structured course of that mixes business experience with group engagement. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of music professionals who assess based mostly on artistry, originality, influence, and contribution to the style…Our purpose is at all times equity, transparency, and celebrating true benefit.”
