Reggae Ampps Turn Up The Wattage In Brooklyn – Sheron Hamilton-Pearson

Reggae Ampps Turn Up The Wattage In Brooklyn – Sheron Hamilton-Pearson

There are a myriad of music organizations in New York, yet it seems one of the most recent is creating the biggest splash. Reggae Ampps (Reggae Artists, Musicians, Producers Promoters and Songwriters) was formed one short year ago (the brainchild of Peter Tomlinson) is currently run by a Board comprising Ed Robinson, Michelle Arthurton, Luciana Maneri, Delbert Rose and Noel Stevens.

The vision and cohesion of the Reggae Ampps members was clearly demonstrated at their 1st Annual AMPPS Award show held at The Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn on Saturday June 26. The elegant setting provided a fitting backdrop to the attendees who definitely heeded the call for formal attire. The evening’s festivities not only sought to bring together members of the Reggae Ampps fraternity, but also served as an opportunity to warmly embrace the awardees, specifically chosen for their long-standing contributions to the reggae industry. Awardees in the category Distinguished Services in the Reggae industry included Pat McKay, Sirius XM Radio Programmer, Howard ‘Sir Tommy’s’ Mapp, Music Producer and Sound System operator and Anthony ‘Downbeat’ Rockwood – sound system operator. Junior Forbes of The Caribbean American Cultural Caucus together with Sharon Gordon and Carlyle McKetty founders of The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music - received the Making a Difference in Reggae Music award. The Hon. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke was awarded for her Outstanding Services to Caribbean Music. Reggae Ampps board member Delbert Rose (Assistant Treasurer) and members, Oral Splicerr Ras Williams, Richard Dawes and Major Dapps also received awards on the night. Peter Tomlinson, the man whose vision gave birth to the idea of Reggae Ampps, received an honorable mention. Michelle Arthurton (Treasurer) and Ed Robinson (President) were also surprised on the night by their special awards from the e2onair chat room family presented by Andreas “Anmour” Holmes-Seymour. E2onair is a 24-hour Brooklyn-based internet radio station.

Kam-Au Amen provided the key note speech peppered with references to Marcus Garvey and an exhortation for those present to follow and implement the creed of self-reliance above all. Noel “Dance Master” Stevens performed a stellar tribute to the late Michael Jackson - dead for one year- a sad anniversary which coincided with the Reggae Ampps event. Dance Master’s agility speaks volumes to the obvious efficacy of his Symmetry juice! Dwayne ‘DJBandit’ Jones as the Master of Ceremonies kept the proceedings moving apace and provided seamless transitioning for the different aspects of the show.

The award show also acted as a platform to showcase the Reggae Ampps winners of the first ‘idolesque’ competition with Marcia Davis leading the medley, followed by Scepta, Splicerr and Kappa Shanti, teaser performances came from Paul Wayne, Stephen Souza, Judith Rahilly, Devon Jorge, Jerry Max, Shango Trex, I-Joe, Dan-I-Jay, Marshall One, Junior Dread and of course Ed “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” Robinson. Backing music was provided by famed reggae group The Ruff Stuff Band, while Mario Mdot Rosales and crew played dinner music on the turntables.

Dignitaries and guests in the audience included, Johnny Osborne, who gave a surprise performance of his hit song Buddy Bye and former singer with the drifters Dave Revels also performed a smooth tribute to Sir Tommy aka Howard Mapp and his wife, celebrating their wedding anniversary. In a husband and wife tag move, songbird Sonia Revels was surprised when called to perform by Ed Robinson, but ably acquitted herself. Spotted in the venue having fun were Queens NY politician, Michael Duncan, Pelman Baptiste of Noize Radio, Transcontinental Shippers CEO Bob deSouza, Cornwall College Old Boys Association President, Trevor Tomlinson, Pat Chin Owner and co-founder of VP Records, Johnny Osborne, famed reggae singer, Joanne Stephens and Judith Kitson, e2onair presenters, Empress Nanny, reggae singer and culture maven and Mary Bishop, special assistant to Congresswoman Yvette D. Clark An especially touching moment occurred with the choice of music - a dubplate special, selected by Howard “Junior Radixxx” as Downbeat stepped to the podium to receive his award. The veteran soundman was visibly moved and credited his late wife for his success in the industry. He poignantly remarked that he’d never before received an award of this kind. Ample proof that Reggae Ampps is on the right track as a membership-based organization which represents the interests of professional reggae musicians. Reggae AMPPS is committed to organizing seminars and conferences to educate members on industry issues; negotiating fair agreements on their behalf; protecting ownership of their recorded music; and developing health care and pension schemes that benefit members.