Urban Islandz NEWS: The Grammy for the reggae category could be in jeopardy after the current overhaul undertaken by the Academy.
Already we see the merger of several R&B and Rap categories as well as the elimination of some international categories. The number of awards currently stands at 78, down from 109, with the changes taking effect at next years ceremony.
Additional changes include the suspension of a category for a year if fewer than 25 submissions are received for that category. This many industry professionals argue may put the Award for the Reggae category at risk. Three consecutive suspension will lead to the permanent elimination of a category.
The Reggae Grammy was launched in 1985 and saw Black Uhuru taking home the first Reggae Grammy.
Over the years several big Reggae/dancehall stars have secured a Grammy under their belt, including Beenie Man, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Shabba Ranks, Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Sly & Robby, Ziggy Marley, Damion Marley, among others.
Incarcerated Reggae star Buju Banton won this years Reggae Grammy for his critically acclaimed album ‘Before The Dawn.’
In order to save the Reggae Grammy, we will need to submit more votes on the Academy website www.grammy.com
Your thoughts in comments below.
