The 2nd instalment of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards (RMAA) shows the growth of the awards genre in Toronto. On Sunday June 8th, 2008 the myriad in attendance at the RMAA’s were pleasantly surprised that the event had stepped up the proverbial “notch”. The RMAAs set out to pay tribute to Black Music Month which is celebrated each June and to continue the tradition ofcelebrating Canadian talent. Everyone was treated to fantastic hor d’oeuvres and elegant ambiance compliments of the host venue Holiday Inn Select. The evening’s host Alan Jones guided the proceedings seamlessly. The attendees were thrilled by performances from various local and international artists while they rocked to the beats of Massey sound that provided the fillers and mood music for the night.

Among the highlights were the awards which remain on everybody’s lips. Richard “Richie B” Burgess was awarded the International Radio DJ RMAA which was presented by the Station Manager of CHRY 105.5 F.M. - Ms. Danae Peart. This award celebrated Mr. Burgess’ over 20 years in the industry and his tireless contribution to reggae awareness globally. Toronto’s favourite artist, Steele walked away with 3 RMAAs including his first album/cd of the year which was presented by Jamaica’s own Richard “Richie B” Burgess. Steele would later receive the Best Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year awards. The women would not be outdone as Tanya Mullings received Best Female vocalist, Jay Davis received Promising Artist and Kay Morris received the Gospel Artist RMAA.

Memorable performances include: The surprise single with Tasha T and Mr. Cooper who had the audience rocking and fully engaged with “old fashion remix”, Kay Morris who was brought back for an encore of her gospel hit “Sweet Salvation”, Steele who showed the merit of his name as his performance was flawless and solid as steele, the first but certainly not last performance of Sadiki from Kingston JA and the return of Dr. Norris Weir lead singer for the Jamaicans who brought the evening to a fitting close with the vintage hit “BaBa Boom”. Delroy Sterling the CEO of the RMAAs was pleased with the event and commented that “the event can only get bigger and better and with support grow from strength to strength”. As the sun sets on these 2nd RMAAs the committee anticipates further successes and look forward to 2009 where new artists and artistic contributions can be fully rewarded.

RMAA WINNERS FOR 2008

MALE VOCALIST- STEELE
FEMALE VOCALIST- TANYA MULLINGS
ALBUM OF THE YEAR- “LOVE OF JAH”- STEELE
REGGAE SINGLE- “GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN”- KENNY B
BEST BAND- MOUNTAIN EDGE
BEST PRODUCER- REFLEX STUDIO
PROMISING NEW ARTIST- JAY DAVIS
MALE DJ- EXCO LEVI
FEMALE DJ- CHATTA
GOSPEL ARTIST- KAY MORRIS
DUB POET- LILLIAN ALLEN
RADIO DJ- RON NELSON
SONGWRITER AWARD- HUMBLE
CONCERT PROMOTER- BROWN EYES ENT. (MISTA JIGGZ)
DANCE PROMOTER- VIBES ENT. (FABO)
INTERNATIONAL SINGLE- “SHE’S ROYAL”-TARRUS ROYAL
BEST INTERNATIONAL DJ- RICHARD “RICHIE B” BURGESS
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST- TARRUS RILEY
SPECIAL MEDIA AWARD- NEIL ARMSTRONG (GLEANER COMPANY TORONTO)
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION- REGGAE XCLUSIVE- DONNA MAKEDA
COMMUNITY APPRECIATION- WAYNE VERNON (VANCOUVER RADIO DJ)
CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGGAE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN CANADA- JONES & JONES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT- JOJO BENNETT (JOJO & THE FUGITIVES)
DENNIS BROWN AWARD- LUTHER BROWN (CHRY RADIO DJ AND MORE)