The MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards were held in the U.K. on February18th. Shenseea copped her second MOBO award in the Best Caribbean Music Act category. The other nominees were Skillibeng, Popcaan, Spice, YG Marley, and Valiant who won the award last year. She first won the same award in 2021 when it was called Best Reggae Act. Vybz Kartel was present to accept the MOBO Impact Award afterwhich he delivered an emotional acceptance speech. The award was presented by Spice. Both Vybz Kartel and Spice then gave well recieved performances.
On Friday, February 14, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded a silver certification for "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley & Lauren Hill. The silver certification indicates that the song has surpassed 200,000 units sold in the U.K. The song is also certified Gold in France and Sweded, and Platinum in New Zealand. This brings Marley's total certifications in the U.K. to 16.
A historic concert took place at the UBS arena in Belmont Park, New York on February 14th as well. Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, and Beres Hammond shared a bill for the first time and were accompanied by songstress Shuga. A portion of the proceeds from the concert stand to benefin AFUWI which provide scholarships for students at the University of The West Indies.
The Bunny Lee Museum opened in Kingston, Jamaica on February 12th. The museum is located at Lee's former studio in Duhaney Park which once belonged to another accomplished Jamaican record executive, Joe Gibbs. Luminaries from the Jamaican music idustry and from the political scene were on hand for the launch which features murals and musical instruments among other artifacts.
Dancehall artist Lisa Hyper who is known as the "First Lady of Gaza" was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica on February 18th after reportedly assaulting an employee at the airport. She was subsequently released to a mental health facility as a result of family intervention. She had been acting out on social media which has caused many in the public to question her mental health status. The family had reportedly been attempting unsuccessfully to get her mental health treatment.
Caribbean Sunshine Bakery held a benefit concert for reggae/dancehall artist Lieutenant Stitchie in Orlando, Florida on February 22nd. Outstanding performances were given by among others: Third World, Mr. Vegas Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw), Lady G, Ed Robinson, The Legendary Ernie Smith, and Kumar. Some of the early performers were gospel singer Joan Myers, Isha Blender, Marcia J. Ball, Lady Tia, and Adrina Clarke (daughter of Bunny Rugs.) All were well recieved in addition to some great backing by the Code Red Band and first rate MC work by Sir Rockwell. Great event for a worthy cause. Thank you Orlando!
The month of February has not been kind to major players in the music industry. We have been saying "rest in peace" way too much of late. Reggae artist Determine passed away of February 13th from stomach cancer. He was 52 years old. He is best known for his 1995 collaboration with Beenie Man "Kette Drum." Third World's original lead singer Milton "Prilly" Hamilton passed on on February 17th at age 74. He provided lead vocals on the band's debut self-titled album in 1976 before leaving the folling year to persue his business interests. Soul music legend and Chicago politician Jerry Butler died on February 20th at 85 years of age.
Butler was known as "The Ice Man" for his cool stage demeanor and was known for his solo work as well as for his work with The Impressions which included the late Curtis Mayfield. Jamaican singer Ken Parker passed away on February 22nd, just two days before turning 82. He succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident while returning home from church on February 16th. His wife was also injured and hospitalzed as a result of the accident. Chris Jasper of the groups Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley died from an undisclosed cause on the 23rd at age 73.
Roberta Flack died on the 24th at age 88. She was known for her R&B hit "Killing Me Softly" along with her duets with the late Donny Hathaway. She was diognosed with ALS also known as Lou Gejrig's disease in 2022. Jamaican vocalist Keith Lynn died in Miami, Florida on the 24th as well. Lynn was 88 years old. He had been a member of Byron Lee & The Drogonaires in addition to recording solo. He was bestowed with the Order Of Distinction by the Jamaican government for his conrtibutions to Jamaican music in 2020. Hopefully the remainder of the year will be kinder the music industry.
Written by Marlon Burrell