The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) honoured a wide sweep of the island’s music community on Easter Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, the Jamaica Observer reports.

The night’s competitive categories went to the year’s breakout voices. Ras-I’s “Somewhere Wonderful” was named Song of the Year, and Valiant, the deejay behind a run of 2022 street hits, was recognised as Emerging New Artiste of the Year. The Album of the Year honours were split three ways: Sean Paul’s Scorcha (dancehall), Kabaka Pyramid’s The Kalling (reggae) — two months after its Grammy win — and Wayne Stoddart’s Freedom Plan (gospel), according to the official winners list.

Icons and a lifetime

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Astley “Grub” Cooper of the Fabulous Five band. Horace Andy, 72 and present to collect his award, and Shaggy were named Iconic Male Artistes, with Dawn Penn taking the female honour. Gospel icon awards went to Minister Patricia Levy Bennett (Sister Patt) and Calvin Whilby, better known as Prodigal Son.

The Melody Makers — Ziggy, Stephen, Sharon and Cedella Marley — were honoured in the duo/group category, with Sharon Marley accepting and Qyor (formerly Chevaughn) performing the tribute. Byron Lee and the Dragonaires took the band award, accepted by Julianne Lee, daughter of the late bandleader, and band member Errol Gayle. Marcia Griffiths received a Golden Jubilee Commemorative Award.

Behind the boards

Songwriter Dave Kelly, producers Stephen McGregor and Linval Thompson, engineers Rev. Don McDowell and Leroy “Fatman” Thompson, and musicians Desmond “Desi” Jones and Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul were all recognised. Volcano Hi-Power and Silver Hawk were honoured among sound systems; Rototom Sunsplash, represented by Sabrina Trovant and Paola Senesi, was honoured as a promoter; and the media awards went to Dermot Hussey (radio and television), Markland Edwards (gospel), Billboard — represented by Patricia Meschino, who received a special citation — and The Jamaica Gleaner.

Posthumous honours went to Lincoln “Sugar” Minott for mentorship, singer Pat Kelly and drummer Lincoln “Style” Scott. Dancer Gerald “Bogle” Levy was this year’s Gregory Isaacs Foundation awardee.

JaRIA board member Mary Isaacs told the Observer that “most things went as planned,” while adding that the organisers would have loved for more patrons to buy tickets “to enjoy the rich history embodied in the vignettes and citations as well as the excellent musical performances.”

Listen and dig deeper

Sources: Jamaica Observer — “Entertainment’s finest honoured at JaRIA Awards” (Howard Campbell, Apr 11, 2023); JaRIA — 2023 Honour Award Winners.

Editor’s note: This story is part of an archive backfill covering Jamaican music news from 2022 to 2026. It is dated to the events it reports.