Published Sunday July 01, 2018
Today is being abserved as International Reggae Day (IRD).
Founded 14 years ago by reggae music insider Andrea Davis. the event, which began as a 24-hour global media festival, was conceptualised to shine a light on the genre by encouraging media outlets across the globe to include reggae on the playlist on July 1.
Davis noted that the focus of this year's festival is the contribution of the Windrush Generation to the United Kingdom in spreading the popularity of the music from Jamaica to an international market.
IRD in association with BritishBlackMusic.com is this year honouring eight trailblazers who have contributed to the development of Reggae in the UK. The awards will be presented during the IRD Conference being held at the UCL Institute of Education in London today.
The Windrush Generation will receive the legacy award for their courage which paved the way for future generations in the UK and was a catalyst for the growth and success of Jamaican music and culture in the UK and beyond. The award will to be received by the Black Cultural Archives.
Ten individuals and organisations will receive the Trailblazer Award for their contribution to the development of reggae, which is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary. Toots and The Maytals' Do the Regga and Larry and Alvin's Nanny Goat are being used as the music's launching pads.
Popular record labels Trojan Records, which is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and Jet Star Records will be recognised for their vital roles played in promoting the best of Jamaican music in the UK and worldwide.
Singer Millie Small will be hailed for her groundbreaking success with My Boy Lollipop, is widely recognised for opening the door do the international success of Jamaican music and subsequently launching Island Records as a major independent record label. Artiste and songwriter Tony Washington will be awarded for his contribution to the building of the UK reggae industry as a songwriter and artiste since the 1960s. Sound engineer, producer, label owner and artist manager Mikey Campbell will also be recognised.
Record label owner Popsy also received the Trailblazer Award for his continuing to efforts as a record retailer for over 40 years and his contribution establishing Harlesden as the centre of Britain's reggae industry.
Roy Forbes Anderson and Gerry Anderson are being recognised as record retailers for over 40 years and their efforts to make Harlesden the centre of Britain's reggae industry.
Melissa 'DJ Cameo' Sinclair for her contribution to British Reggae as an artist, magazine publisher and radio presenter will also receive this award, as will Cyrlene Braithwaite, founder of both CityLimits and Britain's Got Reggae which is credited with creating access for aspiring artistes to showcase their talent in the UK and European Union.
Original Article : http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/ten-to-get-international-reggae-day-awards_137405?profile=1116