By Richard Johnson—
WORDS failed reggae-loving British radio jock David Rodigan as he tried to express how he truly feels about the award bestowed on him by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) next month.
Rodigan is the only non-Jamaican who, along with 20 other entertainment industry figures, will be recognised by JaRIA for their contribution to the growth and development of Jamaican music.
“I’m deeply honoured,” he muttered, as his eyes searched the lobby of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, for the right words to express the way he truly feels about the award.
“I have loved the music of this country all my life, therefore, it is such an amazing feeling to be honoured in this way. I am delighted and can’t say thank you too many times.”
In addition to Rodigan, the other awardees include VP Records’s Vincent and Pat Chin; producers Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James and Winston ‘Niney’ Holness; and engineers Karl Pitterson and Overton ‘Scientist’ Brown. Sound systems Downbeat The Ruler and Youthman Promotion. Major Joe Williams will be presented an award for mentorship while posthumous awards will be given to reggae veterans John Holt and Hopeton Lewis.
The event is set for the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on February 28.
Rodigan, who is in Jamaica taping segments for his show on BBC 1 Xtra, remembers the exact way he fell in love with the music from Jamaica.
“I was 13 years old and it was My Boy Lollipop by Millie Small in 1965. What an amazing record! That infectious back beat; I would then move on to the Guns of Navarone by the Skatellites. Ska was just reaching us in the UK and I just soaked it all in.”
The music has changed since My Boy Lollipop but Rodigan remains committed, passionate and still sees a bright future for it.
“Things look bright for reggae. Chronixx and that group are amazing… it is exciting to see and hear what these youngsters bring to the table. A song like Here Comes Trouble has the potential to reach an international market, not just the reggae market, but to go beyond to reach a much wider listenership. Then there’s Who Knows, which is massive all across Europe,” said Rodigan.
When asked what is it about these tracks that makes them so potent, he noted it was all in the packaging.
“There is something about the structure of the rhythms, the hook which connects with the people and that driving energy which comes from great production.”
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