I agree wid you 100% it is a real shame that if aint bulling, wicking, or know somebody in a higher place in BIM ya cant get thru. Keep doing ya thing TREZAY!!!
 

It's not just in BIM love, it's in Canada too. You could be talented but it has to do with who you know.
I just have to hold onto my integrity and not sell my soul.
I hear you loud and clear!
 

Who is Philip 7??
I kno I am away most of the year, but I never heard of them
 

stupesss this shit is f right up
 

Real Talk!!!!!
Nuh Badmind thing this but these people just ain't getting it right
No matter how they seem to so called try

There are a good few questionables in the whole nominations thing
but i will make no particulars cause then they'll say F DunDeal is a hater
or a badmind.

At the end of the day if they are gonna award people, they should award who deserves awarding!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MUSIC we dealing wid and they are stipulations:-

HOW can an artist that's been dormant and bring out two songs which were not radio play regulars be nominated for hip hop artist of the year?

HOW can someone be nominated for songwriter of de year and is bloody well singing over sizzla's song(no real pun intd)
and for example people like Trezay, Inchiz and i write everything i perform as well as most of the hooks an stuff i get people to do on my songs..............

ITS EVEN MORE AMAZING that all the time for a song to be nominated best single it had to be noticed an receive airplay an stuff all of a sudden you can release a song a week before an get nominated, lol

BMA panel WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I use to not give a * * C K but i have to now that i realise it gives exposure to some artist who don't do shit or if they do it's minimal, it also says they are the best in a catergory WHEN THEY AINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I see FANTOM reason for the panel to wake up ..it is true they need to wake up but what people don't know is that the whole thing is just a show..it doesn't matter how many records you sell online or else where or where your music played and how many times..AHAHAHAA..THE PANEL IS JUST PEOPLE SELECTED TO PUT ON A SHOW....CAUSE IF IT WAS A REAL AWARD "CEREMONY" YEAR ROUND DATA WOULD HAVE EBEN COLLECTED AND THEN THAT WOULD HAVE SPOKEN FOR IT'S SELF THEN OBVIOUSLY THERE IS THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AND PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE THAT TOO CAN BE FIXED BUT YO....WHEN YOU CAN HAVE AN ARTIST ON THE BOARD SELECTING NOMINEES AND THEN YOU SEE THE SAME PERSON NOMINATED HAHAHAHA I MEAN COME ON..I KNOW EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON ROUND HERE WHETHER THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR NOT...I AINT MAD AT A BOY FOR HOW THEY WENT ABOUT IT CAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS BUSINESS AND MONEY GOTTA GET MADE YA SITE BUT FOR ALL YOU ARTISTES OUT THERE FEELING MAD OR WHAT EVER THAT YOU GET UNFAIR..THIS WORLD UNFAIR WE LIVE TO LEARN I HOPE ALL OF YOU LEARN FROM WHA GOING ON BOUT HERE AND IT AINT ONLY WID THE AWARDS...JUST EDUCATE YASELF ON THE INDUSTRY AND CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES AND REALIZE YOU AINT GOTTA WAIT ON NOBODY TO DO NOTHING FOR YA..YA DIGG..OH WHICH REMINDS ME DIGG.COM IS A GOOD SOURCE TO CHECK OUT CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES AND INDUSTRY INFO..
 

I for sure backing Edwin Yearwood for Best Soca single... but what ever happen to Timmy? He sang "Firehose" about four years ago
 

WHY is Rhianna even in the running??
No one in her category even has a fighting chance!!
I honestly think they only nominate her so as to have a celebrity attending or some shit!!
This woman preaches Every chance that she gets about how much she hates the island and it's people and they just try kissing ass with these nominations!!
It's actually quite funny..... Best Video...
Does any bajan have 30,000. US to shoot a video ha ha ha h aha
 

I dont feel Rihanna should be in this running. There is no comparison to her and the level she is at. All they are saying is that we will give a couple awards to Rihanna every year...lol.
Whats up wid Slimz and Nitro track.....So Good?????????? and the video????
How bout Hotta Flames for reggae single of the year? I think he deserves it. He is a real reggae artiste.
Triple E got a slamming compilation that is actually out and selling very well...hmmmmmmmmm
Well just my two cents. I cant say much bcuz i was told to keep my mouth shut, but I feel Bajan artiste need to speak out on the issues that effect them. Getting an award brings eyes to your image and ears to your music. It means when you got that award you step up. So when artist work hard all year knowing that you did more than most, and then find out that the ones that did nothing got it and you didn't....YUH PISSED!! lol. I will stop now b4 i get ban.
ZAY
 

IT IS WHAT IT IS MY NIGGA

.............................
BFL
 

alrite there are some people in here that really REALLY doan belong

then there are people who DESERVE the award, but because of the ones that have no right being there, they might not win it.

i agree that they just throw rihanna in it to suck up to her & possibly show her that she's appreciated here...dis whole ting got me vex
 

To answer the question posed. Phillip 7 is Phillip Scantlebury lead singer of Masala and a solo artiste with Pyramid Entertainment.

I actually understand why Rihanna is included here. before you guys start cussing recognise that the Awards are supposed to be developmental. if you exclude Rihanna because she is successful in the US then when Livvy Franc, Hal Linton, Fitzroy, J-Co, Trezay, Shontelle have international singles they should not be included as well?

Anyway, that's my 2-cents congrats Trezay you deserve it man!
 

I feel You K. But I still feel like if it should be in an international category. We are all Bajans but the small man cant compete with that. But I understand that we don't have much international artiste so they have to be in the same category as everyone else.


K.....Thanks for the love man. RES!!!
 

Yea Zay Bleess up On yah Nomination king...2 long yah did hustling... 2 my realization doa did Fantom mention something about Badmind!!! LOL NO FLIPPING SIDE-BALLERS. dats how I See it. Fantom I agree wid ya 2 de fullest cause these freaks need to come down outta dem world and realise wha really gine on in Society not base their facts on what they percieve or on their frig up dellusions. Neva Say Rocman disrespect or Side-ball de flex dats how I See it but dats all I got 2 say about dat cause I dislike politics and action speak louder than words remember I say dat. All in all doa bless everyone that get nominate and all who aint get nominate like me aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmm bring some consistent fyay to de table.

CSI
 

SOMEONE WROTE THIS DIRECTLY TO ME. SHE DID NOT WANT TO BE IDENTIFIED.

I agree with you that the list is fucked up and I realize that these people are full of BS but who cares, keep working hard and aim to get your music out of this island. My aim is not and will never be a Barbados Music Award. I admire that Ronnie is trying to start something but they really need to have people on this committee who are not artiste managers just there in the interest of their own artiste, they need people who are not bias and will put pen to paper and base nominations on facts ONLY!!!
I look at what is going on and it makes me angry but I will only allow it to affect me positively and when I reach my goals, I and any other artiste affected by this will appreciate it so much more.
I totally understand how Rihanna feels and i will not judge her cause of how she speaks about Barbadians. You don't know til you walk in a persons shoes and I hope God really gives her more than these people could ever imagine and of course God better give me some too lol.
 

Trezay: He release a few tracks this year which was getting good rotation, way before the nominations were annouced, why he aint get nominated?

J-Co: I can understand J-co nominated for Pop/R&B and Album Of the year, But Song writer of the year? That gone pass politics, that is carring a joke to far, that is being obivous.

Songs: Why some of these artist getting nominated for songs that the average person don't know of are can't remeber them?

Rihanna: Why don't Ronnie/Timeless just name it Rihanna Music Awards, every year is the same shit.

Getting Sign: You feel A&Rs/Label Execs gin sign some body through an awards? Yeah right
If they would have, They would have done that at the last two awards.

Nominees List: This list is so predictable. It don't make sense. People could best stand home, cause we know who going home with what. Especially the catergories with Rihanna. These catergories are not competive.

BMAs: It's good to see they pushing or trying to create an industry, but this whole is about Ronnie/Timeless making money, Cause local music still aint getting enough airplay especially from alot of radio djs.
 

I agree with what your friend said to some extent,

But for the record J-Co writes some of his own songs, including some that get constant airplay.

Way I see it if an artist can survive the politics and the" I like you cuz u kiss my ass" but "I don't like you cuz I just don't" U can survive ANYWHERE!!! I am sure the real music business, is probably VERY cut throat!!

If u can deal with all the controversy in Barbados and u manage to make it big, u have DEFINATELY earned it and MORE!!!!

My prediciton is the awards will fizzle in a year or two and that maybe a wake up call for them to be OBJECTIVE and have certain CRITERIA to judge people on!!!

I did a class in psychology on how to collect VALID & RELIABLE data, if the BMAs need some help in this department, feel free to hit me up, thats what I went skool for!!! LoL

Congrats to all the nominees
 

In my own defence mr. beats, i believe the awards should give recognition and reflect appreciation for artists over the year.I dont agree with everything but i am honoured to be nominated in the category of song writer of the year.When i write i do so from the heart as soft as it may sound, and i discard the misconception that a good song is one with spelt out happenings and full sentences.I encourage artists especially at my age to write what they feel and worry less about the other variables,And being nominated in this category has said to me that i havent given them wrong advice.As for the politics you speak about.....You should find a better example And i dont see it as a joke.....
 

I don't think dude is saying that J-co is not a great song writer. What I think he is saying is, and this is my opinion as well. They are a lot of GREAT songwriters out there working really hard. What about peter ram? He does write songs fuh the kids in the junior calypso monarch to the small and big dogs in soca AND for himself as well. EVERY YEAR!!!! To me, to be looked at as a great song writer is not about what you write for your own album or how much, but what else you do in this industry where writing is concern. Most people will see it that way. I would not feel comfortable if I was in that category cuz I know people would cuss me bad. Cuz I feel it should be people dat write in every category or most of them. Not in one. But however you look at it, you got the nomination. Someone saw it in you J. Congrats and I wish you the best of luck b. I happen to like J-co as a person and as an artiste. He will blow real soon. Watch it. Maybe thats why stuff like this has to be dun. To bring eyes to the image!!!! RES!!
What everyone is yappin about is the fact that if you are gonna do something to this magnitude, you should do it as perfect as it can be done. This island is too small to deal wid politics in our music biz. All it does is make the same artist sit and bad talk one another secretly, about what and who do what every year. Thats why we have a blog to iron out the talk. I don't think people expect no politics at all cuz thats the way of the world but GIH JACK HE JACKET AND STOP FRONTING PUN DE REAL.
 

Thanks Trezay. You made it more clear about what I was saying.

My only 2 concerns now are 1:
Why should we Producers/Artists submit music? You think that Ronnie/Timeless gin ask Rihanna to submit music? Rihanna might be on a higher level but all we bajans still equal. You have Radio DJs who job is to LOG your music on the Computer, and Ronnie/Timeless job is to go there and see who is Hot, Competive & Getting Air Play for each genre, they make your move from there. But when you talk about submitting music that is a big diss, and it sure Ronnie/Timeless don't know what's really going on here.

2: Ho it is Billy Kincaid and Kite could realse a song 2-3wks before the Nominations where set and actually get a place in the catergories. And you have people you were releasing tracks through the year and aint get no place in the Nominations?
I don't know what Ronnie/Timelss try to do but that shit is fuck up.
 

Meh see one ah meh bwoys get nominate
whappen Fantom nuh get nuttin, me nah live ah Barbados
but from wha me ah hear pun de net an pun de online radios
im deserve an award furder more ah nomination anyways Trezay CONGRATS

keep it Ganja Honey
 

FOD FOR THOUGHT!

I love all the Bajan artist and I think that if a PROPER Bajan label is ever started that the world will see that we have many many stars here. See how ATL blew up, Barbados could be next we just need help, don't fight and cry down each other, get the Public and Private sector to invest and create a reciprocal relationship. They will invest and in turn it will make Barbados a household name, hell they could just devote the BTA Tourism budget to Entertainment and that would flood the place with Foreign Exchange Returns.

Till then I wanna say keep doing it to all the hard working Artists, Producers, Bands, Media, Djs and Entertainers.

Especially those that work so hard to keep the Entertainment here Alive ALL YEAR ROUND

Studios:
Monstapiece, Moonblast, Triple E, The Cottage Studios, Slam City, Underground, Lethal Studios, Hit Island, CRS, Orange Cloud, Quantam, Tone Def, Big Rock, Beezneez, Commercial Music Inc, De Red Boyz Studio, Madd Studio........

Live Bands:
Krosfyah, Strategy The Band, Jabae, Electric, Red Alarm, Roadhouse, Kite, Third Stone, Rush Hour, Virtuosity, Nexcyx, Masala........

Artists: Too Many Talents to Name so Kudos
All Soca
All Gospel
All Hip Hop
All R&B
All Pop
All Reggae
All Dancehall
All Jazz
All Spoken Word
All Genres, ALL ARTISTS

TO THOSE WHO WORK ALL YEAR AND GO UNRECOGNIZED
BIG UPS AND BLESSINGS WITH HEALTH AND WEALTH!

TO ALL THE RADIO DJS: IF YOU PLAY ALL JAMAICAN, TRINIDADIAN, AMERICAN OR EUROPEAN MUSIC THEY WILL FOREVER BE RICH, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU, WAKE UP. (THEY DON'T PLAY US ALL DAY)
IF YOU PLAY ALL THE QUALITY LOCAL MUSIC, MORE STARS WILL POP UP AND CREATE LOADS OF OPPORTUNITIES.

APART FROM SIGNING AND MONEY, THE STARS (I WILL NOT USE NAMES AS THEY ARE SO MANY ON THIS ISLAND THAT WE ALL KNOW CAN AND WILL MAKE IT) WILL NEED DJS, HYPE MEN, DANCERS, BACKING BANDS, MANAGERS, ENGINEERS, PUBLICISTS, LAWYERS, ACCOUNTANTS AND SO MUCH MORE.

LET'S BUILD UP EACH OTHER, NO DISS TO INTERNATIONAL ARTIST BUT BE FAIR, STOP BIGGING UP MOSTLY ARTIST YOU DON'T KNOW, HAVE NEVER MET OR WILL EVER MEET, SHOUTING DEM OUT AND PLAYING THEIR TUNES WHEN THEIR SHOWS ARE APPROACHING, BEING FRIENDLY AND YOU STILL END UP PAYING DEARLY FOR DUB PLATES AND PROMOS, THEY COLLECT 2,000 - 80,000 FROM OUR ISLAND IN APPEARANCE FEES ETC AND THEN THEY LEAVE THEY DON'T CALL OR RETURN OR CARE.

BIG UP YA OWN AND THEY CAN AND WILL BIG UP YOU!

GOD BLESS!
 

Hi,

U TOOK THE IDEA OUT OF MY MOUTH.

I blame Government for this mishap of not investing in OUR HUMAN RESOURCES. I was sayin to myself that government should create a partnership with SRP with EVAN AND CARL who discovered rihanna since that record company is already known. That can create a huge bajan label not only in barbados but have an outlet in AMERICA. Dwane Husbands, Kimberly Inniss, JCo, Hal, Livvy, Shontelle, government should invest in them to look for labels who can support them.
I said to myself too that if I were rich I would invest my money in BAJAN ARTISTS for them to go INTERNATIONAL AND BE KNOWN. I listen to DWANE HUSBANDS "I DO" song which i say it is incredibly written, melody and vocals on point but he doesnt have the backin to take it to the international market. he is a talent that cannot go to waste. Kimberly Iniss, i love her a lot like i love rihanna, she is too talented to be here in barbados alone. Shontelle, another talent, i would invest in BAJAN ARTISTES if i had a lot of money.

the djs need to done with foreign music takin up time and space on the radio. I AM SHOCKED TO HEAR JAMAICAN MUSIC AND JAH CURE BEING ADVERTISED WHEN WE ARE ABOUT TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE. I HAVE BECOME SICK OF JAMAICAN MUSIC ON MY RADIO. AMERICAN MUSIC IS NOT BAD AND IT IS NOT BADLY INFLUENTIAL AS MUCH AS JAMAICAN MUSIC WHICH I DETEST WITH A PASSION. I LOVE THE BAJAN REGGAE ARTISTS, BAJAN POP/R&B ARTISTES, BAJAN HIPHOP/RAP ARTISTS.
 

First thing hats off to you Trezay..Now hahah..It's a slap in the face to so many artiste here who have worked so hard and long then not to even get as much as a nomination. I understand where everybody here on this blog coming from yo..but hear wha I still hustlin'

Search Dameyon on itunes,rhapsody,Napster,Emusic and groupie tunes

ALSO FIRST ARTIST OT BE ON BOOMTRIBE.COM MUSIC STORE..

KING OF THE FUTURE....Technology god ya heard....Digital distribution + Dameyon +NEW MONEY lol


Check ma page out http://www.myspace.com/dameyonmusic

KING YA HEARD
 

I've been off the circuit for a while, but I will be back soon, and wid full force, however, I did get an opportunity to look at the nominees for 2008's BMA.
Well....(long pause for dramatic effect)
This year, I did notice that on the website there is the criteria of how persons were chosen. This is favourable for Ronnie, so it doesn't look so bias, however I have a few issues.

Oh before I rant and rave, congrats Trezay on your nomination...

For the best soca male and female artist...you are going to see the same people consistanly because the little one hit wonders only come out as the name suggest, with one hit and that is it, however, who is to say that they shouldn't be acknowledged since they made a contribution for the year. e.g. that dude....who was in Digicel last year...ummm who had songs this crop over, can't remember his name....the little red dude, u guys know who i mean. (memory remembers now, Gregory ....can't spell that last name)

Why only five people get nominated for best soca commentary? when they had NUFF songs??? why are these the best?

some of the songs in general for persons being nominated only come bout just now...how them get a pick?

Why is it that you ain't seeing the other sound engineers getting a pick? or producers? huh huh??
Why the ass them got people contending against and international pop star? My reasoning is this, yes give the girl an award for her contribution, but don't include her in the runnings...it's unfair.

Anyways this is my two cents worth. I am very shocked that Phantom ain't up in there for a nomination...but hey shit happens....anyways...I out and bad until.....
 

the system sucks:(:(
keep ya head up bro.:)
 

I know it's nice to be recognized for your hard work....sheeit, i would tek one of those awards too if i could get it but in the end, it's nothing more than approval from a small panel of judges in a small music industry. A few peoples' opinions shouldn't deter you from doing what you gotta do....so what if it's all politics and b.s, your aim should not be to get a BMA but to do the best you can do.....forget about the opinion of your peers, what should matter most is that at the end of the day, you can honestly say you gave it your all. Aiming for an award in B'dos will keep you in B'dos....that's cool if that's all you wanna do but i done know most of you dont.....you want to be bigger than just B'dos.

p.s congrats on de nod bredren.
 

I BELIEVE THAT TO BE BLESSED WITH ANY AWARD IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. IT MEANS SOMEONE SAW YOUR WORTH WEATHER U DESERVED IT OR NOT. WE ALL WANT TO ACHIEVE A LOT MORE THAN A BMA BUT THIS IS OUR HOME. WE SHOULD BE PROUD TO EVEN GET THE NOMINATION. BUT UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.......Hmmm. THATS A TOUGH ONE TO CALL.
 

Good day to everyone who has contributed to this very interesting blog.

Congrats to Trezay for his extraordinary ability to command everyone's attention. It is a quality trully befitting this local hip-hop dynamo. And a dynamo he is...that's why the decision was made to honour him in the first year as a Cornerstone Awardee, for his contribution to the development of local Rap / Hip-Hop against all odds. Mmmm...I recall that of all the controvercies surrounding the BMAs that year, the decision to reward him at such a young age (and KB Sharp) caused us to be cussed left and right by older musicians more than anything else...mmm.

First of all. Let me state clearly why I am actually going to respond to what I'm seeing here. I have, myself, been a recording and performing artiste for more than half of my life. I struggled as a child growing up in a single-parent home (a government unit in Black Rock to be exact), so this belief that some people have about me being born with a silver spoon in my mouth is laughable to say the least, so I understand how some of you feel after putting your all into your music, and then feeling as though you are not appreciated. That is not the case, however. I am open for discussion with anyone who has any concerns on the BMAs, as nothing in this World is perfect, which is why my cell number is so public. I think this local industry needs discussion and debate to grow...so I'll chat with anyone at any time....just ask PHANTOM.

Also let me again state, that the committee for the Barbados Music Awards is vast and varied. Those who actually attended this year's nominations meeting included retailers, a representative of COSCAP, a representative of the Prime Minister's Office, a representative of the Broadcasting Authority, manufacturers, DJs, entertinment journalists (Nation, Advocate, Circuit etc.) event producers, a cross-section of producers, songwriters, performers and music educators etc. etc.

The committee is expanded each year, and has grown from under a dozen in the first year, to over two dozen in the second year, to over three dozen in the third (in attendance).

I personally do not vote. The individual candidates are discussed openly in a conference room, and no stone is left unturned in making sure every artiste who is eligiable per category is at least mentioned. That's why we asked artistes to submit their music, so that those who may not have benefitted from tremendous airplay would not be overlooked. Those who saw our request for submission as an insult clearly did not think before they spoke. Submission to the committe was not compulsory, it was simply an added avenue for consideration, particularly for new artistes.

There is nothing political about the process...and the nomination meeting goes on for hours and hours, as information is discussed. Trust me, the things you think the committee does not know...like who released an album or who got airplay etc...is completely false... there are persons on that committee who can tell you EXACTLY who got what airplay based on logs, journalists who know first hand who performed at what events, and retailers who can state who sold how many records during the year, so to call the committee knowledgeable would be an understatement. They also receive the categories with their invitations long in advance of the meeting...so they do their research.

Now to the Rihanna issue-

The BMAs has one major rule- to be eligiable you have to be a Barbadian. Just like the JUNO Awards in Canada. For years Celine Dion DOMINATED the JUNOS...but...then came Shania, Alanis, Sarah McLachlan, Deborah Cox etc. to rival her. Did the JUNOS ban Celine? NO WAY!! Why should we exlude Rihanna? A young lady from Westbury Road who made it big, and fullfilled a dream most recording artistes long for?! Why didn't the Grammy Awards exclude Michael Jackson in the 80s? Are you aware that in one year he won EIGHT???

Others are now gearing up to challenge her dominance, backed with marketing muscle and international contacts...look at Shontelle (Universal), Alison Hinds (1720 and distributed by KOCH), Edwin (VP and distributed by UNIVERSAL), Rupee (Atlantic), Hal Linton (Managed by Horace Madison- Usher's business manager), J-Co (WILSPRO Management USA), Livvii Franc (JIVE- yes, as in the label Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are signed to). That is the direction the local industry is headed- mission 1 accomplished- stimulate a competitive arena, to increase output and the quality of that output.

I mean, let's face the facts. If Edwin's VP debut had gone platinum, would you be saying the BMAs should exclude him? Is Rupee (born in Germany), or Alison Hinds (born in England) more Barbadian than Rihanna, who was born and raised here, and released her first album just three years ago, and still has a thick Bajan accent? By the way...to Julie who asked why Gregory Ayuen was not nominated- HE IS NOT A BARBADIAN. I personally asked him if he has Barbadian ID and / or passport, and he does not have either one.

Do you realise that having her (Rihanna) as part of the event enables other nominees and persons in the local music industry to receive tremendous amount of exposure? This year, for instance, soooo many record labels and international media representatives are coming to the BMAs...MAJOR foreign media like ESSENCE, GLAMOUR, VIBE, Rolling Stone etc. and record label Presidents, VPs and A&Rs....to see you, the local artistes...and they are fully aware that Rihanna will not be in attendance because she is on tour....but the foundation she has laid has record labels looking for more Bajan artistes with the hope of finding another multi-platinum star.

To those who state that I or my company do the BMAs to make money....GET REAL....I'd earn much more producing events for other people than to do my own where the expenses fall in my lap! The BMAs for 2007 cost over a million dollars to produce, market and advertise...do the math. If I wanted to make money, Real Estate is a much more viable option....trust me....or rentals...right JULIE?

To Rotchelle who predicted that the BMAs would fizzle in two years...thank you, because it's people like you who make people like me more and more determined to succeed. And although I admire the fact that you're a qualified young lady in your chosen area of endeavour, we all choose our paths in life, and I don't remember seeing you over my shoulder offering your help when I threw my entire life-savings into the first Barbados Music Awards- yes, every single cent, when many people told me- to my face- that the show would flop and would never make an impact. Certainly it would have been at that point that if I needed your help... I would have asked for it, but God is a good God, and he gave me, a little nobody who grew up in Black Rock and now lives in Grazettes, with no University education, the determination and knowledge to risk everything (I quit my job as a Secondary School teacher to do this) and do what I knew in my heart would succeed, armed with a love for the local music industry that is overwhelming.

The next step...mmm...I guess you guys would be the first to learn of this...is to create a home-based record label using all of the international contacts I've gained through producing the BMAs year after year. Yes, the aim is to have a record label complete with recording facilities, manufacturing, distribution, international contacts, corporate backing, strong PR and advertising capability and a global focus...a label which will sign ONLY BARBADIAN ARTISTES, and market them to the World. I've been meeting with investors, and going to several shows scouting talent, slowly but surely putting the pieces of the puzzle together, and currently negotiating to travel to the USA and the UK to work with established record labels part-time to gain experience and exposure to the mainstream.

We have the talent pool in Barbados to produce many platinum recording stars. All we need to do, is stick together, work together and try to build each other up, because trust me, the World is watching, and we must portray total unity, or our separatist attitudes will be the basis for our downfall (watch Hotel Rawanda for evidence of what happens when black people fail to unite).

Thanks for your views and feedback, and I look forward to seeing all of you reach the top. Go after your goals fearlessly. Ignore negativity and strive for excellence. I know all of you on here, and I know that each of you possess talent in various ways, which could help Barbados' music industry reach the next level.

Trust me, even in the face of what I've read here, I have nothing but love for all of you, and I hope I was able to if not clear up your doubts, speak my mind and let you see things from my perspective for a change.

Respect,
big up to Trezay...never ever doubt the level of respect I have for this man...Trezay is the real deal...talent, drive...the total package...with an edge that every hip-hop icon MUST POSSESS.

Regards,
Ronnie Morris
 

Dear Mr Morris,

I am an ordinary citizen of this country and I would like to inform you first that I am in no way part of the entertainment industry, I am solely a music listener. Here is what I have to say as a person who loves Barbados and its talented people who bring good music to my ears.

1) I am glad you cleared the air with the Gregory Ayuen thing because I thought he should be nominated with Best Ragga Soca Male with the song SHAKE IT which was more popular than Pumpin by Peter Ram. I knew he was Trinidadian but I didnt know he was not yet a citizen of Barbados.
2) With regards to Rihanna, I love her so much. I follow her all the time from fansites, I watched every performance she does overseas, I have seen her magazine covers, etc. I am just a huge Rihanna fan and I am BAJAN. However, I am opposed to the way she is nominated in certain categories. In my opinion, there should be a separate category for rihanna where she will receive the INTERNATIONAL ARTIST AWARD. In addition, the album sales should only be restricted to how many units she pushed in Barbados alone. I dont know if her international album sales is included in the count for the award, but her album sales should be counted as a result of how many persons bought the album in stores in Barbados. Therefore, Powerhouse, and all the other retailers of CDS should supply you with the number of cds sold in their stores only. DO NOT INCLUDE HER SALES INTERNATIONALLY BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE UNJUST.
3) The Barbados Music Awards should be restricted to ONLY 2 hours. Performers should cut their songs when performing to FIRST VERSE, CHORUS, THEN BRIDGE THEN CONCLUSION. Performers should be singin the entire song lengthenin the performance to over 5 mins. The BMAS are getting too long and dreary.
4) You say that BMAS could be compared to the GRAMMYs but to the nominations of some people wouldnt be considered by a Grammy like panel. I think the panel should listen to the song with its lyrics, composition, melody, production, vocals, etc. JUDGE A SONG ON SUCH CRITERIA LIKE HOW A GRAMMY PANEL WOULD DO IT. POPULARITY SHOULDNT MATTER BECAUSE I WAS PISSED WHEN CONTONE AND PONG WERE NOMINATED LAST YEAR FOR CRAP. IF U WANT THE BMAS TO BE LIKE THE GRAMMIES THEN ACT LIKE SOMEONE ON THE GRAMMY PANEL. SO I SHOULDNT EXPECT TO SEE RPB TO WIN SOCIAL COMMENTARY BECAUSE HE WON THE PIC O DE CROP COMPETITION. BLOOD'S AND RONNIE CLARKE'S SONGS HAVE STRONG LYRICAL CONTENT.
5) I am saddened to not see SHONTELLE on the stage as yet PERFORMIN AT THE BMAS. Performin with rihanna last year was nuffin. I WANT TO SEE SHONTELLE DO HER OWN THING. PLEASE, STOP PUTTIN RIHANNA TO PERFORM LAST, LET HER OPEN THE SHOW OR COME IN THE MIDDLE OR SOMETHIN. I WATCHED RIHANNA PERFORMED LAST FUH TWO YEARS STRAIGHT. TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION DWANE HUSBANDS WHO GOT EXPOSURE CAUSE HE PERFORMED AT THE FIRST BMA. HE IS EXTREMELY TALENTED AS HIS SONG "I DO" SHOULD BE PERFORMED THIS YEAR. Performers for this year should be: SHONTELLE, DWANE HUSBANDS, HAL LINTON, JCO, KIMBERLY WITH KEANNE, MR DALE, PHILIP AND MASALA, KITE, etc.
6) I think we need to construct a MUSIC HALL/THEATRE. the GYNASIUM STAGE is extremely small for performers ability to showcase a high classy intro to their performance. IT LOOKS SO BORING TO SEE A PERFORMER SIMPLY COMIN ON STAGE AND SING. I WANT TO SEE COMIN UP UNDER THE STAGE, COMIN DOWN, ETC. LIKE WAT HAPPENS AT THE AWARDS SHOW OVERSEAS.

I would like to say more but I think I have said enough ESPECIALLY bout GOVERNMENT AND THE TALENTED POOL OF PEOPLE IN BARBADOS.
 

Just to clear errrthing he actually speaks the truth about the communication thing!!!!!

Bless Ronnie for that.........
But as a person in this industry who is one of the realest i have to say honestly i will always be fought no one will ever give me my credit just like that, don't get me wrong so many people especially bajans like me music, so many have asked me why i haven't been nominated an i ain't gonna play soft spoken or nun an say i don't deserve to at least get nominated cause on a real ain't no one can contest that i ain't one of the hardest ***king workers in dis industry period, I EAT, SLEEP & BREATHE MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DARE ANYONE TO BRING PROOF SAYING DIFFERENT

But however on the otherside of it the BMA's is beneficial to who it serves in terms of certain artists, and although i cut half the people on the charts ass last year and this year in airplay it don't mean shit cause this the real world it ain't what you do, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!

Ronnie i hope you get yuh label bro an get your artists that money

Trezay(Big Brudda) you know i got your back everyday anyday, u kno how to keep it the same way you been keepin it since birth

Peoples i respect all the support an love yall show, at de end of the day i am a rude bwoy and will continue to be...........

SO LET'S GET THIS INDUSTRY & THIS MONEY
ALBUM OUT NOV 30th

100,000 copies to be sold LEHME SEE THEM DENY ME FROM WALKING WAY WITH EVERY AWARD THAT I HAVE THE GENERIC CAPABILITY OF GETTING

BLESS UP
236-9114 or SGUbosshog@hotmail.com (Album:- CAUGHT UP)
 

Well I'm not managing this blog because I have a problem with not getting a nomination for whatever. If I'm not recognized this year, best believe I will be back next year. REAL TALK!! I just feel we need to hear and understand what everyone thinks.
I think the problem that so many people have is about the songs that just got released and got nominations. If the committee saw it fit to choose them then what the hell can anyone do about it? nothing!! What they should be doing is looking at the problems and correcting them for the following year.
I must admit that the last two BMAs had me very upset. But I learned that you can holla to the heavens and hells but you cant change it unless you are a member of that committee. And you just might get yourself in trouble and hurt your chances of doing even better the next year. Don't burn your bridges with hardcore talk. Everyone knows that's how I get down.
What artiste need to do is make sure that you are heard and seen as much as possible so when the time comes you can't be left out. Some artiste are doing very well but they are doing it way under the radar. If thats the case, when that meeting takes place you will not be remembered or considered for a nomination. Recognize that the BMAs is still at a developmental stage and it can only get better. BUT!!!!!! When an artiste releases a song two or three weeks before the due date and get a nomination over others that were hustling all year, we have a problem. I really hope Ronnie can understand what I am saying here. Some people are saying that we all have to weigh the pros and cons of the situation before we jump to conclusions......... but fair is fair. It's really tough to work hard on a track. Push it all year round. Know you are way ahead of the others. And not get a nomination or recognition for it. It means that the track will never be in a situation to ever get a nomination again. To an artiste it feels wasted. Lost!! Not that it is, but it just feels that way.

Referring to the Corner Stone Award. I was very thank full for getting one the first year. And I heard about all the fuss some people made. I guess they think KB and myself were too young to be awarded a corner stone. But if you look at the other artiste that did it way before us, they deserved it more than we did. Maybe if you gave it to us at the 5th BMAs it would have been ok....lol. But the truth is we laid the foundation for Hip Hop so I though we deserved it for HIP HOP!!!

Artiste!!! make sure you are heard all year round and hustle hard. Make sure you will not be left out next time. Its all about your hustle. Be seen and heard. Make an impact and then you will have a serious argument. Learn from all of this and move to suit. Some people say I shouldn't even have a blog about it all. Well let me say this.....I have an opinion!!!! And I will be heard!! My name comes from a slang word. BLAZAY!! It's means to be very talkative. A friend of mine took the first three letters of my name (TRE) and the last three letters of the word (ZAY) and made TREZAY. SO.... if you think for one minute that I will not have and opinion you are very mistaken....lol.
This is what I do. I spit words.


RONNIE. I appreciate the good words son. I know u see it. Much luck and success to you.
Thanks for all the love I've been getting. To me, that feels better than getting any award. Just knowing that people enjoy my music is enough for me. REAL TALK!!!


Directed the movie / I'm starring myself /
I'm the heavy weight champion / I spar with the best /
I get cold like ice / Like the heart in my chest /
So f**k yuh life and pardon my French and Spanish /
But I'm an inspiration, to a down trodden nation /
I'm focussed like a lens / You don't bother waking /
But I'm a rider / I'm riding with the thing right beside me /
I'm a member.
THE DEAD POETS SOCIETY


NEW ALBUM FROM TREZAY (LIQUIDFLOW) IN STORES JANUARY 11th
HOLLA!!
zay
 

Wow!
I did not realise that this thing had escalated to this level.........
Well, i don't have much to say on the subject so my comment is going to be pretty short compared with some of these that are up here already :)
First let me say that i love all types of music, regardless of the genre;
So to know that Barbados can produce such quality music - music that i can listen to constantly without getting tired of it - is really refreshing;
I'd rather listen to bajan music any day;
But my comment is really to all the artistes out there;
Make music because you love to,
Make it because it's a part of you,
It's really so amazing to have an ability,
To display your talent and unending creativity,
Take a second to think about why you do what you do,
And try at least to the music, to stay true.

I'll leave ya'll with two quotes i found pretty interesting:

You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity.
- Thomas Wolfe

To follow without halt, one aim; there is the secret of success. And success? What is it? I do not find it in the applause of the theater; it lies rather in the satisfaction of accomplishment.
- Anna Pavlova

MK

PS - Big up to all those in the industry giving us what we need to hear
Keep it fresh, keep it real, and keep it coming...........
 

Ronnie Morris talking nuff shit from beginning to end. I aint even read the whole thing and I know the whole thing is crap. Secondly an A&R I spoke to from Columbia Records feels the same way about the nonsense he is saying.
This is what the A&R said: 1:Being to this Island on a regular bases and understanding the culture and knowing the people of this Island and being an A&R for over 20yrs, I can say that this committee set up horrible. (you have producers and song writers onboard, worse of representatives from the prime minister office on the committee?) that is not cool.
2: This would be the third consecutive year for the BMAs and I (the A&R) don’t see how it is benefiting aspiring and producers, if every time I come to this Island I’m hearing radio personalities playing more outside music than local. Ok, so there is some form of local radio plays, but is it enough to make the average citizens talk about local artist all day, have arguments about who is better than who. I spoke to a few citizens of Barbados from young teens to older folks, and from a average count of 1-10, none of them could tell me at least five "Popular" local R&B artist and Hip Hopers, What I’m trying to say/ask who then is this benefiting then.
3: Ok you have a record name “Beautiful” the Rubytech and Dunnz track beging played on numerous stations across the island and getting crazy response from the average citizens, and wicked response in the clubs, prior to this, you have the same artist release another record just a few weeks before nominees where selected and that got selected before “Beautiful”? Ok. What type of committee is this? One that don’t knows what going on?
4: Rihanna is for God sake not doing any thing for local artist at all, not media wise,exposure wise, nothing at all, the world want to see Rihann, not no bodies, I have been in this industry to long, matter of fact it don’t take a new born to know that when you put a multi platinum recording artist next to a “nobody artist” that the main attraction is going to be on her, come on.

This Awards is not ready for The REAL WORLD. Too much issues are on the table and what does the CEO of this awards have too offer, hmmmmmmmm, more issues?


There you heard it from the mouth/typing lol, of an A&R of Columbia Records. Let's see what ronnie have to say now.

Peace
 

Thank you for your words of advice ProjectBeatz. I would really appreciate some suggestions from you, or your highly educated A&R friend from Columbia Records, who knows so much about the Barbadian music industry dynamic, for these questions...


1- Who should the committe be comprised of? If not local songwriters, producers, distributors, retailers, manufacturers, journalists, DJs, music teachers etc. then who?

2- Why do you think it was inappropriate to have the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture there as moderator to ensure the process is fair? Surely you are aware that the Prime Minister is the Minster of Culture, right? I'm sure you told you A&R friend this fact, and did not mislead him or her into thinking it was just an obscure person not involved in the local music industry...right?

3- I want you to explain to me how the Grammy Awards are selected (in your own words), and state the major differences between their method of selection, and that of the Barbados Music Awards.

4- Can you please back up your abstract claim that the Barbados Music Awards is to blame for local radio not playing more local music, or that it has not contributed to any increase in airplay for local music? For the record let me state that after the nominees are announced for the BMAs in October, and leading up to the show in January and directly following, local radio stations do a fantastic job of playing the music of the nominees and winners, interviewing them on radio and television etc.

5- Your question about if the committee does not know what is going on makes me believe that you did not read my previous post. You are a Barbadian, right? Do you not think that a Director of COSCAP would have no idea of what music is being played here? Do you not think that representatives of Power Station, Got Rhythm (the digital downloads site), CRS (manufacturers) and Number 1 Record Shop would have a good idea of what records are sold here? Do you not think that entertainment journalists from The Nation, Advocate and Circuit along with some of the top event producers in this island, would have an idea of who is hot and who's not?

6- Please back up your claim that Rihanna is not doing anything for local music. Obviously that statement is one which came without a modicum of thought behind it. Why do you think record labels are always in and out of Barbados on the regular these days? Oh...I'm sorry, maybe you nor your friend from Columbia may not be aware of WHAT THE COMPETITION'S UP TO...but just let me state as a matter of fact, that labels are these days ALWAYS in Barbados....how do I know this?...mmm...they call me, I have dinner with some of them, go to clubs with some of them....labels, producers, entertainment lawyers, and prominent managers. Trust me, anyone who says Rihanna has nothing to do with that, is just plain UNINFORMED.

7- I am baffled as to why your friend from Columbia Records does not do something to promote your music...and your work....are you working with any of Columbia's artists? Are you going to do a job attachment with the label? Are they going to do a major distribution deal with you for your work? Please...make better use of your influential friend's time than for him to come on a blog and chat...get him to invest some of his time, knowledge, contacts and money into the Barbadian music industry, instead of criticizing those who are making a tremendous effort with very limited resources.

PLEASE NOTE

Rome was not built in a day, and I dare say that the Barbados Music Awards is a step in the right direction, regardless of what any A&R of ANY Record Label, from ANYWHERE in the World has to say. Barbadians are too quick to doubt their own in favour of the words and perceptions of those from foreign countries. Coming on this board and placing comments or opinions from anyone from any label etc. who you "claim" made those comments...does not intimidate me in any way, so what you have done is basically brought in your big brother in to help you to think, and communicate. It reminds me of when Kanye West brought Jay-Z to perform with him when he did the interview with 50 Cent on 106 & Park this year...leaving 50 Cent in the shadow of a legend...however...in that instance, the use of an external force was much more effective.

Have a nice day, and I'll continue to read this blog so I can gather knowledge and opinions from all of you, because it's important for us to communicate.
 

Yo Ronnies what going on. Well I can't speak for him but for me,

1: In my opinion on what he was saying about the commitee stuff, basically it like saying how can you have KB Sharp who I sure some how is part of the commitee and still being nominated. Ok long story short. Why have people who would be bias and be nominated in the commitee. I don't have no problem if the commitee is comprise of local people, but not people that are going to be nominated. Well I know and I guess he knows our Prime Minister is the Minister of Culture, but really speaking does the prime minister knows and can call 10 local artist (not in calypso) that get air play on the radio?

2: The grammies awards selection I aint know shit about that I'll get him reply to that. But what I do personally know is that selectors of the grammy awards, none of them a nominees.

3: I don't think you should blame the BMAs if local music don't get air, I'm not on his side with this one. But really, you would expect more local plays. The only time you get so much local plays is in november. Yeah Dj's do play local music sometimes, but not enough to catch the average person on the block, school are work. Did you know the average person in barbados probaly only know a hand full of artist compare to the amount they have in barbados? But I can't blame you are the BMAs that would be unfair. I think what you should do is form a meet with radio DJ to play a better roll in showcasing more loca music.

4: I think personally Rihanna played her part, but again back to radio Dj's I don't think there are totally playing there part. Since the dude from columbia record was here. He always complain about the lack of local radio play. It's like as he said why have music awards when you don't even hear enough local play.

5: Don't be baffled, I proud to say I a beat for 10,000us to a comedian on B.E.T, tell how many people in Barbado did that. and currently is going to be doing some production major artist. Don't worry about how myspace, plays look. LOL, worry about what I'm doing.

Peace
 

One last thing adding. How can somebody release a song 3days-3weeks before the deadline of the selection of the nominees and get a place in the nomination? I produce a song for Rubytech name "Beautiful" which was release just after crop over on numerous stations, including 104.1 and was getting heavy rotation and request, Then he realse another song "Reason" about 2-3wks before the dead line and get nominate before "Beautiful" He is greatful he got nominated, but he is a bit upset too and so am I, plus fans and numerous artist was looking for that to get nominated and was DISAPPOINTED IN THE POOR DECSION OF THE COMMITEE.
So Why have a commitee that don't what the hell is going on.

You talk about having meetings with labels execs, fuck that shit. People have meeting with label execs everyday. And if you do, why aren't you sign as an artist. And why after 3yrs the people that getting/get sign like "Livvi Franc" have nothing to do with you and your meetings.? It's cool to talk about having meetings with label execs but it is stupid when you don't have nothing to show for it.
 

Ken...Ken...Ken...... aka "ProjectBeatz"... I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. It is amazing how small things like a MySpace forum can show a person the reality of life and those with whom we share this small 166 square miles.

My advice to all of you on this board...be careful, because those who you believe are in your corner and have your back, usually turn out to be the very ones who, if given the chance, will stab you in the back without hesitation.

My advice to you, Ken, is to not worry about me as an artist and if I'm signed or not and what you perceive I have to show for it...I have far exceeded any expectations anyone who knew me as a barefoot poor boy running around Black Rock would have had, and I have not spent much time marketing myself as an artist.......YET. For your information, son....I have NEVER, EVER sent a single demo to a record label...ever. When the time is right, I will send a demo, and if it works, fine, if it doesn't, I'll continue with my life, and trust me, I'm very proud of my achievements so far, and rightfully so. I've had labels send me emails, request my music etc. so if you don't know what's going on, keep your mouth shut. I operate at my own speed, when I'm ready to take my music to the next level, I will, trust me. For now I'm content to fly all over the World singing, and returning home to try to help in any small way I can, to develop Barbados' music industry.

I'm very surprised to hear you speaking negatively about KB Sharp! I am shocked. I will not even respond directly to your comments, because they were simply disrespectful, and honestly, you need to know your place. As far as I knew, the same KB Sharp was always there to help you, but I tell ya boy...nothing surprises me these days.

All you have to do, is make sure that you reach your goals, and exceed them, because life is short, and spending time trying to bring down others could very well be the root of your downfall.
 

Yo Ronnie what going? Cheee. It ain't nothing like that. This blog Trezay setup was us producers artist speak our mind and have certain issues address, not to be disrespectful are nothing like that.
I don't know why you feel I back stabbing you, the previous message I sent was not even against you, but regardless to who is my friend, if I see something ain't look right I speaking about it. Sorry for if I cause any unnecessary isusse are came across disrespectful.
I ain't worry you as an artist, I know you talented and crazy on the vocals and when ever you can get sign, I just shock to see someone with so much talent it doing nothing about it, but do your thing.
I'm not speaking negatively about KB, I'm not even saying nothing bad about him, but I'm not alone in that statement I made though. KB has done alot for me and show me nuff in music so did you, I think I would be out of place to disrespect, back stab are bad talk Pioneers like to guys that striving hard to develop and push the industry in Barbados.
I will continue to take advance for you, KB, Big Zay and others. After all you guys is you set and start things around here, further more you guys have been around here longer than me and other aspiring producer and artist.

I can't understand something though so much people (artist and producer) have so to say, now that Trezay setup a blog every body gone quite, how can we move forward if people acting like slaves.



Peace
 

Pior to what I said. You have not answer a few questions. These are questions I want to know and other peeps as well. And I realise you are not anwering these questions. Instead you getting offended and vex over non-sense.
We a big mature men, let's get certain isusses out the way,in stead of this crap. We all want to hear your thought on certain isusses I have I highlightes. That is the point of Trezay putting this blog.

Peace.
 

WHERE C1 ARMY IS :):)

Honestly tho, i was lookin for Azman in d best new artist part, I know Nard takin that home, n Who d hell is Phillip7, 7 ppl name phillip, chaaaa


Uncle Dyce
 

yes i congrats everybody but hey...08 is gonna be my yr ppl...Bless up trezay
 

Yeah Peoplez. I see we are getting the issues sorted. Or at least trying to understand the problems. Some people don't think they are problems but we all can see them. I just have a few questions for you all.

1: Should all the radio stations log music???? I know that they are some that don't. I also know of one that does it manually. I don't think that is the best way to look out for the artistes interest.

2: Why are the songs that were released a couple weeks before the deadline getting nominations???? (This is the one question that everyone is shying away from)

The point is that we have mistakes that we need to iron out. We cant go on every year saying we now start so we will make mistakes. We need to get it right PERIOD!!



NOW CHECK THIS OUT>>
Best Rap / Hip-Hop Single

Ruby Tech & Damian Marvay- Reasons
This song is crazy as hell. hard tuh ras!!!!!
Ruby is my label mate but REASONS came out way too late......no offense people.

Billy Kincaid- Champions
Billy is my good friend so I hope he don't get mad at this but........This song is nuff cunt.
Nobody likes it. Its a catered song. So when the west indies team did shit, the song didn't matter anymore. I heard he don't even understand why he got nominated.
It didn't get good spins and I never heard him performing it anywhere.

LXG- Jah Live
Good song. Great concept. Nice video. But did it get that much rotation??? Was it out long enough?? Did they have a lot of performances?

Artist that don't even consider themselves Reggae artiste are nominated of Reggae artist of the year......this is a slap in the faces of all reggae artist in Barbados.....Artist that put out one song getting this nomination?????? WTF? one song????

None a dem cant beat BRAN NEW!!!!! PERIOD!!! for hip hop single of the year or collaboration.
7 of the illest mcs in this game!!! LOGGED OR NOT!!!!

Now you know i hate to hold my tongue!!
ZAY
 

Just giving a big shout out to everyone. Get your demos ready. The workshop's going to be CRAZY!!! This year it's going to be held on January 26th from 10AM- 2PM at Olympus Theatres. Look forward to seeing you guys there to talk to the international producers, managers, artists and label execs who will be presenting, along with the local team who also have a wealth of knowledge.

You remember how last year's workshop was packed to capacity, well, please register early to avoid disappointment, because the presenters this year are off the chain!! Names will be announced on January 1st, 2008.

Big up to every recording artist, songwriter, producer and fan on this blog. Enjoy your Christmas, and keep pushing local music higher and higher.
 

such a blessing babes
keep it up
and keep the bajan essence flowing