THE JAMAICA Federation of Musicians' week of celebration continued on Tuesday night with the Musician' Week Surrey Awards ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
The ceremony awarded those in the Surrey county in several categories, and special awards were given to musical stalwarts and those who have contributed to the industry in their own way.
Among this number were Black Uhuru, Marcia Griffiths, Melville Cooke, Sugar Minott, Linval Gibbons, Winston 'Niney' Holness, Bunny Lee, Bobby Ellis, Stephen McGregor, Tony Cobb, Chris Chin and Sean Paul.
Here is the list of awardees in their categories.
Best Gospel Album: Carlene Davis.
Best New Singer: Natty King.
Best New deejay: Predator.
Most Culturally Aware: Richie Spice.
Best Male Singer: Beres Hammond.
Best Female Singer: Tanya Stephens.
Best Male Deejay: Elephant Man.
Best Female Deejay: Lady Saw.
Best Contemporary
Jazz Artist: Maurice Gordon.
Best Vocal Group
Live and Recorded: Morgan Heritage.
Best New Band: Live Wyya.
Best Backing Band: Gumption.
Best Album: Da Real Thing.
Best Producer: Bobby 'Digital' Dixon.
A tired JFM President Desmond Young told The Gleaner that of the 17 years of the awards, 2004 was the best yet. "This was the best that we have ever done. It was standing room only and the industry was widely represented," he stated.
In terms of handing out awards by county, the president noted that talent was not restricted to one area, so each region had to be properly acknowledged.
"We have to give each area their chance to acknowledge their people who are doing good. Talent comes to the fore that we have never seen and you are surprised. That's why we did it like that."
Musicians' Week continued yesterday with the Cornwall Awards at the Coral Cliff Hotel in Montego Bay, and a workshop in Negril today. It will move on with another workshop at the Edna Manley College on Friday, and a grand stage show on Saturday at the Ranny Williams Centre on behalf of the Mustard Seed Community and Roots FM. The Middlesex Awards took place on Monday at the Amnesia Nightclub in Ocho Rios.
