The organisers of International Reggae Day (IRD) have always taken the time to pay homage to some of reggae’s pioneers who have paved the way for the current crop of artistes. Awards are given to legends of Jamaican music who have, through their creative life’s work, professional integrity and humanity, positively impacted on global culture & exemplify the spirit of reggae music – revolutionary, uplfting and unifying.

This year IRD honours three vanguards of reggae — Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Burning Spear.

According to the IRD organisers, the revolutionary and humanitarian messages these artistes have been communicated to the world through their classic catalogue of music. It has consistently distinguished them as innovative originals and musical ambassadors. The IRD team further states that throughout their careers these three artistes have had a significant impact on the globalisation of Reggae music and continue to musically inspire new generations of musicians and artistes. Beloved by the global Reggae community, these three artistes exemplify the positive vibrations of Reggae music.

Dennis Brown it is said has over 180 career albums including 90 studio albums, 76 posthumous releases and compilations, 7 live albums and 7 DVDs, he is considered one of the most prolific artistes in reggae music.

The Cool Ruler Gregory Anthony Isaacs is credited with more than 70 studio albums during his career and over 500 albums mostly compilations released.

His list of classics have included the popular Night Nurse, Mr Brown, Love is Overdue, Tune In and Number One.

Among this years list of awardees is living legend Burning Spear aka Winston Rodney. He has 50 career albums including 30 studio albums and 6 live albums to his credit. Burning Spear is best known for his messages about Marcus Garvey and the Rastafarian movement. Born in St Ann’s Bay, Spear shared his birthplace with Garvey and Bob Marley.

Awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer in 2007, Burning Spear is a 12-time Grammy nominee and two time Grammy winner for Best Reggae Album with Calling Rastafari (2000) and Jah Is Real (2009).