Queen of dancehall music, Spice walked away with the most coveted awards at the inaugural Jamaica International Music Awards in Sunrise, Florida last night. The Grammy nominee won Best Female Reggae Dancehall Album with “ten,“a few moments after his single”Goh Down Deh” won song of the year.
Spice was not present to accept her award but delivered video acceptance speeches to her fans and organizers.
Other notable winners include Kevin Downswell – Best Gospel Artist; Shaniel Muir – Best New Artist, Danger Kid – Best South Florida DJ; and Kurt Riley – Jamaica’s Best DJ. Best Dancehall Reggae Male Album of the Year went to Mascika’s”438.”
The inaugural Jamaican Music Awards show was an overall success, and aside from a few issues, it went down well for the small crowd onsite in South Florida and those who tuned in on Instagram TV. MC Kadene Chambers’ smooth voice, punctuated with intermittent humor, kept the proceedings exciting and the crowd engaging.
The event’s chief organizer, Norman Lawrence, was very pleased with the outcome. “We are thrilled with how JIMA came to be. Last year was just a thought in our minds, and through hard work and long hours put in by the committee, we delivered a show that did what we set out – “owned and honored our music”. However, the true mark of a successful event is the impact on the audience. By that standard, JIMA was a smash hit as “what a great night” and “be sure to keep going!” the comments received from participants were too numerous to count. I am proud of the work accomplished by our team. Planning for next year’s event will begin immediately, as it will be bigger and better.
Several pioneers and eminent ambassadors of Jamaican music were honoured. Byiome ‘I Octane’ Muir, who hosted the evening, was recognized for his humanitarian efforts. Eddy Edwards was honored for his long service and pioneering leadership in entertainment, marketing and events for over 20 years. Carlton “Spragga Benz” received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the Jamaican music industry.
One of the best speeches came from Richard Mark ‘Honorebel’ Bailey, recognized for his contribution and work in the Reggae & Dancehall music industry. Industry accolades went to Stone Love and Metro Media, while Ricardo ‘Supa Twitch’ Sanchez was recognized for his 33 years of global involvement in the music industry.
The full list of winners:
Best Female Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP 2021
Spice – (10)
Best Male Reggae/Dancehall Album/EP 202
Mask (438)
Best New Reggae/Dancehall Artist 2021
Shaniel Muir
Best gospel reggae artist 2021
Kevin Downswell
Best DJ, South Florida 2021
Dangerous child
Best DJ, Jamaica 2021
Kurt Riley
Song of the year 2021
Get Down Deh – Spice, Shaggy, Sean Paul
Life Achievement Award
Ewart ‘Mad Cobra’ Brown
Carlton “Spragga Benz” Scholarship
Industry Pillar Award
stone love
Metro Media
Ricardo ‘Supa Twitch’ Sanchez
33 years in the local and international music industry
Richard Mark ‘Honorebel’ Bailey
Contribution and work in the Reggae & Dancehall music industry
Pariome ‘I Octane’ Muir
Community Support – Humanitarian Award
sydney robert
Entrepreneurship and community support
Eddy Edwards
Long service and pioneering leadership in entertainment, marketing and events for over 20 years
Dale Holness, former Mayor of Broward County
Hard work in the community of Broward County and South Florida
Mayor Hazel Rogers
Leadership in the Lakes Lauderdale and South Florida Community
Trade Kings
Production and musical skills in South Florida and across the United States
Faithlyn Gayle
Hard work in social media and street promotions
Andrew ‘Tushie’ Campbell
Hard work in social media and street promotions
Lisa Barnes
Appreciation Award for Supporting WZOP and JIMA
Hans Mullings
Stellar work in event management
Duffton’ Tony Matterhorn’ Taylor
Stellar skills as a music selector and performer
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