THE common perception is that, as long as a Marley is nominated in the Reggae category, they are sure of winning.

Let me debunk this myth with some facts.

In 1986, the second year of the Reggae Grammy category, Jimmy Cliff won for the album Cliff Hanger beating out the Melody Makers,the group comprising four of Marley's children.

In 1992, when Shabba Ranks' As Raw As Ever took the Best Reggae Album Grammy, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were also nominated for their Jahmekya album. Two years later, the Melody Makers were nominated for Joy

and Blues, but they had to give way to Inner Circle who took home the Grammy for their Bad Boys album.

Among the nominees for 1996 were Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers for their album Free Like We Want 2B. However, it was Shaggy's Boombastic that took the prize.

The Melody Makers won three Grammy Awards.

In 2006, when Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley won with Welcome to Jamrock, it was not because of his name. It was based on the power of the title track which was a blockbuster hit.

Ziggy's Love Is My Religion got the Grammy in 2007, while the following year Stephen won deservingly with Mind Control.

The reality some people do not face is that the Marleys are extremely gifted. It runs in their DNA.

So, before naysayers start an argument saying the Reggae Grammy is a right for the Marleys, go check the facts!

  — Basil Walters

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  1 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  3 comments