13th Annual ReggaeSoca Music Awards Storms Broward County

”A Fi Wi Grammy” Recognizes the Best of Reggae and Soca Music

by: Colleen Murdock

Fort Lauderdale – After a year’s absence the 13th Annual ReggaeSoca Music Awards returned to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 27. The show started promptly at 8 p.m. with several attendees still making their way through the lobby.

Show hosts Charles Hyatt O.D. and Fae Ellington, O.D. were in rare comedic form as they indoctrinated guest host Honorebel. Gosper Singer Carlene Davis invoked the opening blessing with a rendition of “Stand up for Jesus.”

Charles Hyatt O.D. and Faye EllingtonDespite its slow start, the show was a masterful blend of the past and present, with expressions of social justice and sexual innuendos. Trinidadian Queen Singing Sandra, who received a living legend award, evoked social consciousness with Voices from the Ghetto while Jamesy P begged the ladies for some nookie.

The Unique Vision band switched flawlessly between performances by soca singer Edwin Yearwood, lead singer Krosfyah band, reggae female DJ Cecile, reggae cultural artist Richie Spice and reggae new artist Fantan Mojah.

Soca New Artist group Elvis White justified their nomination with the hot new Sexy Waist, which had the male adrenalin running wild as two fit and sexy female dancers swiveled their sexy waists. White, a native of Monsterrat, who list the Mighty Arrow as his early influence stated, “We are thrilled to be nominated for this award, and we consider the other nominees as family. The group’s purpose is to bring about our own brand of social commentary.”

Joseph Hill aka CultureLiving legend Culture took the crowd back in time with Zion Gate and the Two Sevens Clash, Ernest Ranglin, Lifetime Achievement award winner, displayed his virtuosity on the guitar with a classical medley, and Ernie Smith – Vintage Award winner, singing favorites such as Duppy Gunman and Tears on my Pillow, had the audience begging for more. Other legends recognized were the late Jackie Opel, host Charles Hyatt and actress Leonie Forbes who both received the Louise Bennett Award of Distinction.

Winsome “Lady C” Charlton

Show founder and chairperson Winsome “Lady C’ Charlton billed this show the “Lucky 13” as she recognized the many contributors who helped to bring it back to the Broward Center. Charlton also remembered Desmond Dekker, the first Jamaican artist to gain a major international reggae hit, who passed away in London on May 25.

Ernie Ranglin
Lifetime Achievement Winner

13th Annual ReggaeSoca Music Award Winners

Reggae Male Vocalist – Jah Cure and Freddie McGregor (tied)
Reggae Female DJ – Macka Diamond
Reggae Combination Song – Buju Banton and Anthony Cruz “Too Bloody”
Reggae Instrumental Abum – Ernie Ranglin “Surfin”
Reggaeton Song of the Year -“Gasolina” Daddy Yankee
Soca Male Artiste – Rupee
Soca Group – Krosfyah and Nu Vybes
Soca Female Artiste – Alison Hinds
Soca Combination Song – “All Aboard” – Edwin Yearwood and Bunji Garlin
Reggae Cultural Artiste – Richie Spice
Reggae Song – “Welcome to Jam Rock” – Damion “Junior Gong” Marley
Reggae New Artiste – Fantan Mojah
Reggae Album Various Artiste – Drop Leaf and Strictly the Best 34
Reggae Producer – Joe Frasier and Don Corleone (tie)
Gospel/Inspirational – Carlene Davis
Soca New Artiste – Elvis White
Soca Song – Alison Hinds’ “Roll It”, and Jamesy P’s “Nookie” (tie)
Soca Album Compilation – VP Records’ Soca Zone 5th Spin
Record Company – VP Records
Soca Producer – Edwin Howell

Due to time constraint, some category winners went unannounced. The show ended at a quarter past midnight with Hinds leading the artists in a rousing rendition of Bob Marley’s “One Love.”