‘There will be other times’ - Young bloods encouraged to keep working for Grammy

Music scholar Clyde McKenzie says dancehall and reggae artistes who were not nominated for the upcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards should not allow their disappointment to prevent them from putting out good music.

Beenie Man's Simma; Buju Banton's Born for Greatness, Burning Spear's No Destroyer, Collie Buddz's Cali Roots Riddim 2023 and Julian Marley & Antaeus' Colors of Royal made the cut for the awards, slated for February 2024.

McKenzie said despite the non-selection of new artistes or female entertainers, he is "comfortable" with the choices.

"Sixty percent of the list consist of previous Grammy winners. I am very happy with the list, some of my favourite artistes have made the cut so I'm very comfortable with it. Other people would have alternatives in terms of their selection, but these are seasoned veterans," McKenzie said.

He was quick to highlight that some of the younger artistes who were on many persons list of possible nominees and encouraged them to keep on producing good music as there will be more Grammys to be won.

"No new-comers are there and that might be a disappointment for some people who are looking for continuity and fresh blood, but that's the way it is. You had new acts like Valiant, Yaksta and Byron Messia who were being considered as substantive artistes for the Grammy, but there will be other times," he said.