Top acts nominated for JaRIA awards

The polls are now open, and interested persons are now able to vote for Song of the Year and Emerging Artiste of the Year in this year's Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Honour Awards.

Chronixx is a two-time nominee in the Song of the Year category with Skankin Sweet and Likes. Also in the category are Protoje with his popular Blood Money, Damian Marley with Medication, and Dre Island with We Pray, a collaboration he did with the 'Unruly Boss' Popcaan.

According to JaRIA's official website, the Song of the Year award is "given to a Jamaican song that has attained critical and commercial acclaim locally and internationally during the period of November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the current year (i.e. the year preceding the one in which the award will be presented)."

Dre Island makes the list of nominees again in the Emerging Artiste of the Year category, where he goes up against the likes of Koffee, Samory I, Shenseea and Notis Heavyweight Rockaz. This award is "given to an emerging artiste in recognition of his/her progress in the industry from a dilettante to a professional" during the nomination period.

According to JaRIA, "considerations in determining nominees include the artiste's impact (as gauged by growth of fan base), critical acclaim, extent of touring internationally, and increased recognition of his/her catalogue".

Voting closes at midnight on Friday, as the award ceremony is set to take place at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston this Saturday.