British Reggae Industry Awards, got off to a glowing start

The long awaited return of British Reggae Industry Awards (B.R.I.A), got off to a glowing start.

The British Reggae Industry Awards (B.R.I.A.) was first established in 1981 to acknowledge British artists for their dedication to reggae music. The mission has not changed; but has been revitalized because of the continuous increased interest for reggae music, yet a lack of a ‘stage’ to showcase Reggae Artists.

MC Mandingo opening the BRIA 2013

The endeavor was to make a lasting connection with the awards as an annually recognized event; that will help in the encouragement and the development of reggae music, amongst the younger generation and create a platform for those in the ‘Reggae Industry’ to be afforded the kudos they deserve and there is currently no higher accolade in British Reggae music.

HE High Commissioner for Jamaica Aloun Assamba enjoying the proceedings

Performing on the night was an abundance of artists’ such as Little Roy, Top Cat, Lovella Ellis, Skibu, Calvin Salmon, Dennis Alcopone and all the way from Scotland a reggae lovers rock band, The iFoundation.

Organiser of the BRIA Tony Williams welcomes guests

We saw Lovella Ellis leave with an Award for ‘Best British Female Newcomer’ Whilst The best British Female Vocalist went to Lady Lex “I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Award Ceremony, thank you for all your hard work and effort in bringing this to the people.

It is a great step forward in reggae music” and ‘Best British Male Vocalist’ went to Maxi Priest our Award for ‘Best British Band’ went to our performing band Goldmaster All Stars, “we had a great time and to win an award well how great is that.” and David Rodigan, winning ‘The Best Male Radio Personality’ stating that “Yes it was an honor to win the award”.

Some of our 2013 Award winners! Highlighting the joyous occasion had by the many respected industry moguls; of Reggae music, in attendance.

The guests ranged from celebrities, to Nominees and the High Commissioner of Jamaica Her Excellency, Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba was there with a host of colleagues, supporting the Awards Ceremony and said that “We had a very enjoyable evening and I am glad to see that the people who are keeping Reggae music alive in the UK are being recognized in this way. Congratulations on a very successful event”.

The Feedback has been phenomenal and this has not only been a celebration of Reggae Music, but the coming together of a community sharing and embracing the culture of Reggae, which was wonderful to be a part of…
The British Reggae Awards are already in the process of planning for 2014…. This is set to be an even better and a not to be missed ceremony….