In lieu of The Pier Awards beginning to take nominations for the end of the year, the Grammy’s have finally narrowed down their selections to their final five in each category. Specifically we are interested in Best Reggae Album of the Year, a category that will be up for grabs at The Pier, as there have been a ton of solid albums to grace us this year.
If you weren’t sure, or needed a quick refresher, last year’s Grammy winner was Rebirth by Jimmy Cliff. The four runner-ups included Miracle (The Original Wailers), Tomahawk Technique (Sean Paul), New Legend – Jamaica 50th Edition (Sly & Robbie & The Jam Masters), and Reggae Got Soul: Unplugged on Strawberry Hill (Toots and the Maytals).
This years’ “Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! – Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night” kicked off December 5, 2013, at The Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. The event involved a ton of live performances by artists like Katy Perry, Earth Wind and Fire, Robin Thicke, and T.I., just to name a few. The event will culminate with the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards on January 26, 2014.
Even though our beloved genre does not get much love, we still wanted to let you know who made the cut for this years nomination for Album of the Year
Snoop Lion – Reincarnated
Ziggy Marley – In Concert
Beres Hammond – One Love, One Life
Sizzla – The Messiah
Sly & Robbie and the Jam Masters – Reggae Connection
Fortunately or unfortunately, The Pier’s awards are going to look a little different from The Grammy Award Nominees. That being said, I highly respect everyone of these artists, but besides Snoop, Jamaicans dominate. It’s a shame that the more global range of Reggae infused music isn’t considered. Bands like John Brown’s Body, Fortunate Youth, The Green & other bands who put out amazing reggae albums. Last year, it was shocking not to see Rebelution or SOJA being recognized by the Grammy’s.
Regardless, make sure to vote for your favorite artists at this year’s Pier Awards and make sure to tune in to the Grammy Awards in January to see who claims the Reggae Album of The Year, which most likely won’t be televised.
Read more about The Grammy’s & all of the nominees at The Grammy’s website by clicking HERE!
Article By: Andrew McClatchy
