Left to right, Bob Marley, Shaggy, Lauryn Hill and Freddie McGregorAndrew Clunis, Freelance writer
Rita Marley, widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, is one elated woman. Her first-born son Ziggy, who leads Melody Makers, is to perform with Bob's daughter-in-law Lauryn Hill live at the Grammys. They will present Turn Your Lights Down Low, a Hill and Marley combination, which appears on the gold-selling album Chant Down Babylon produced by Bob's youngest son Stephen. Turn Your Lights Down Low has been nominated for a Top Pop Award.
In addition, Bob has been selected for a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award and is to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 6.
"When I heard the announcements, I started to cry. I began missing Bob so much. They have sent me a special invitation to be present at the Grammys and I am really looking forward to it," she told Showbiz.
In the 15 years since the recording academy has decided to honour reggae music with its prestigious golden gramophone, the Reggae Grammy has never been presented live on stage during the televised segment. And for many years, Jamaicans have berated the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for their 'fourth cousin' treatment of
reggae.
Spotlight
Rita belives the time has come for reggae to hit the Grammy spotlight.
"If it doesn't happen now, it will in time. As long as Bob Marley's music is out there, them ago tired fe see we face."
But former artiste manager, now JLP spokesperson on social development and welfare, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who lobbied for reggae to be included in the Grammy, does not feel reggae's time has come for the live gig.
"I don't think we have reached the stage for it to be considered to go live. There are other categories that sell far more records than we do, coming out of the American experience that don't get carried live," she said.
"We can lobby, but we have a lot to do in taking the reggae music industry to a point where it reflects the earning power and the political clout which will allow us to gain recognition to the extent where that category is carried live. I have no intention of putting down our music or our creative people, but we have a long long way to go," she said.
High time
Patrick Roberts, who manages nominated artiste Beenie Man, believes it is high time the reggae Grammy is announced on the big stage.
"Maybe it's going to take some lobbying but we need it. The Government, through the ministry responsible for entertainment needs to take on the task of lobbying and ensure that reggae gets the spotlight it deserves," he said.
Crooner Freddie McGregor is a strong advocate for live presentation. He feels, however, that more Jamaicans should get involved in the Grammy process in order to influence the decisions that are taken.
"We need to have a lobby group even if it means some good old placards and let people see that we are serious," he said.
Nominees for this year's Reggae Grammy award are Art And Life - Beenie Man - Virgin Records America; Let Me Be The One - Dennis Brown - VP; Private And Confidential - Gregory Isaacs - VP; Life Is A Miracle - Pato Banton - Surfdog Records; and Equality - Wailing Souls - Musicblitz Records.
