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The Fourth Annual Virginia Reggae Awards a Melodious Event for All
The Fourth Annual Virginia Reggae Awards was held Saturday, May 14th in Downtown Hampton in a uplifting block party setting. With the streets blocked off and the businesses booming the crowd gathered together to pay homage to Virginia's finest Reggae Representatives.The energetic crowd grooved and crooned to the harmonious sounds of numerous acts including Israel, Ton of Hope, EVER-G , Tuff Lion and bands United Souls, Crucial Elements, Natures Child and Thin Air Rising. Nuff respect to West Indian Times own Lady Cham for making an appearance and entertainment writer Stan Smith for making the ride from Maryland to witness VA's Reggae awards. In between acts, the crowd was pleasured with a mix of Reggae Hits by DJ Philosophe and also Seko who kept the excitement going and welcomed the ebullient hostesses as they introduced the awards to the Honorees. Though an award show, the attitude of the crowd manifested family, unity, peace and love. The vendors and small businesses were all thrilled with the weather, the turnout and the spirit of the faction. The only real disappointment heard reflected on the lack of Caribbean food vendors. There were none. Many felt that this was a blunder and that the Caribbean food retailers missed the mark in not participating in this positive affair. I’m certain that this will be rectified in the future and that Caribbean Food Vendors themselves, will "hunger" to be a part of the 5th Annual Celebration and thereafter.
And the Award Goes to…..
Promoter's Award - Lion Heart promotions
Producer's Award - Chris "Peanut" Whitley - As A People
Sound System Award - Quickdraw
Va. Reggae Ambassador Award - James Red Dread Jackson
Favorite Song Award - EVER-G - Our Special Place
Favorite Album Award- EVER-G - Jah Love
Favorite Band Award - United Souls
Media award - Slam Video Magazine
New Artist Award - Christopher Puma
Favorite Artist Award - EVER- G
And Most Votes Award - EVER-G
Yes, family EVER-G walked away with an unprecedented 4 awards. EVER-G with 5 albums and an exemplary career that spans decades is not only deserving but worthy of each of them. As he walked off stage with the 4th award for most votes, an infectious smile, crowd cheering and embracing him, I understood why his is the big recipient and I too felt the adoration.
Next year should prove to be interesting. I am anticipating a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping, highly pleasurable event. I hope to see some repeated faces nominated next year, as well as some talented artists that have certainly paid their dues and paved the way for others like Tuff Lion, whose music is positive, uplifting and soulful. Surprisingly, he was not nominated this year. So remember to nominate and vote for those persons that continue to make an impact on Virginia’s Reggae scene.
What a great ending to the week long tribute to the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley's passing. He would have been pleased with the tributes to him as well as the overall consonance and passion for a music that he made. What a celebration of a music that unifies and moves all of us!
“My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.”
-Bob Marley
Bless,
CREE ~
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