admin-songwriter Jimmy Cliff on Monday from New York in an exclusive interview with “The Gleaner”. He was reacting to winning this year’s Best Reggae Album category for his latest album “Rebirth”.
The ceremony was held in Los Angeles on Sunday night. But Cliff is unhappy that the prestigious award is not presented to winners on the night when the world is watching.
“It would have been better if I were collecting it on stage on Sunday night.”
Instead, someone picked up the gold gramophone on his behalf. Other nominees in the category this year were The Original Wailers, Sean Paul, Sly & Robbie & The Jam Masters and Toots and the Maytals.
Cliff, who has seen recent increased airplay for singing in the popular Volkswagen Super Bowl commercial, expressed appreciation for all his supporting fans over the years.
“The Grammy does not necessarily mean more album sales, better booking fees – the important ingredients for a performer’s well-being.”
But, he is positive that more people will be talking about it in the media and elsewhere and, “I will get more recognition from my peers; for that I am grateful,” he said.
“Rebirth”, Cliff said, has been number one on iTunes for many weeks now and is also doing well in sales.
He conceded that the music industry is not what it used to be but he plans to continue reinventing himself and to distribute the album to radio stations in Jamaica. – Jamaica Gleaner.
Online Reporter