The colourful pulse of Jamaica’s musical legacy in New York was on full show on the current Tri-State Space Household Enjoyable Pageant, previously the Merritone Household Funday, held at Heckscher Park, East Islip, Lengthy Island, N.Y.
The occasion, hosted by Winners Circle Radio and Irie Jam Media, not solely celebrated particular person achievements by Jamaicans within the diaspora but in addition highlighted the enduring affect of selectors, promoters, and cultural icons in connecting the Jamaican group via music and tradition.
Jack Scorpio (Maurice Johnson), founding father of the Black Scorpio Sound System and document label, was honored for his pivotal position in shaping reggae and dancehall—from nurturing stars like Yellowman and Dennis Brown to ushering within the digital period. Beginning his sound system in 1968 with a single turntable and speaker, Scorpio drew inspiration from local people sound methods and went on to provide hits for Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, and Beenie Man. His sound system turned well-known for DJs like Basic Bushes and Lord Sassafrass. Lately, Scorpio has hosted varied radio packages, promoted veteran artists, and championed constructive, clear music.
Socialite Maxine Greaves has lengthy been some of the vibrant occasion coordinators on the New York music scene. For the previous three many years, she has operated her personal occasions promotion and advertising and marketing firm, GMAX Enterprise, which has performed an integral position within the success of a number of Caribbean occasions akin to Central Park SummerStage, Groovin’ within the Park, Irie Jamboree, the IRAWMA, the adidas Grand Prix, and the Westchester Reggae Fest. She is at present lending her experience to the Beres Hammond and Mates occasion this weekend in New York and New Jersey, which will likely be headlined by Hammond, reggae queen Marcia Griffiths, and Cham.
“This award is really particular as a result of it comes from my very own Caribbean household right here in New York,” Maxine informed Caribbean Nationwide Weekly. “I’m deeply grateful to Irie Jam Media, Conroy Allison, and Household Enjoyable Pageant for this distinguished award. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged for my dedication to selling Jamaica’s tradition via music. I dedicate this award to my late mom, Merril Miniffee Greaves, whose love for group and music impressed all the things I do,” she mentioned.
This hardworking socialite was born in Mandeville, Jamaica, the place she grew up together with her dad and mom and siblings. She attended Manchester and Belair Excessive Faculty, the place she developed her love and fervour for music.
“I’ve all the time cherished music as a teen, however it was whereas I used to be in highschool that my ardour was nurtured,” she mentioned.
Bobby Channel One has been a music broadcaster for greater than three many years. Inspired by DJ Roy of Irie Jam Radio and Street Worldwide Sounds to deliver one thing contemporary to the airwaves, he launched the Tradition Jam Radio program, which has been operating robust for over 30 years.
“Reggae music isn’t just a beat—it’s a heartbeat,” he shared. “For over 30 years, I’ve been blessed to share that heartbeat with listeners world wide. This honor belongs to each artist, selector, and supporter who has saved the tradition alive,” he added.
Over the many years, Bobby has shared the mic on WVIP 93.5 FM with legends together with Sister Beautiful, Clive Chin, Dave Juda, Carl B. Moxie, Pablo Asaab, Francine Chin, T.Ok. Smith, Clinton Lindsay, Mona Lee, and Jeff Sarge. At the moment, he continues to unfold music far and extensive—distributing for Jamaican recording labels and internet hosting radio packages on Sound Chat Radio, Purple Scorching Radio, and Tradition Jam Radio.
Jahwise, born Robert Campbell, a legendary selector for the enduring Tippatone HiFi sound system, was saluted for his pioneering position in dancehall and his artistry, which incorporates work featured within the 1978 basic movie Rockers. Jahwise is the youthful brother of reggae singer Cornell Campbell.
Different honorees embrace Selector Child Q, music producer Don One, DJ Carlton, Glama Wayne, Dub Grasp Chris, and Soul Supreme.
