Marley Brothers vs Shaggy for the Grammy Award

The nominees for the 2012 Grammy Awards were announced at a nomination concert in Los Angeles. The Marley brothers, Ziggy and Stephen Marley will go head to head against Shaggy, Monty Alexander and Israel Vibrations, for the Best Reggae album.

Stephen Marley got the nomination for his album Revelation Part One: The Root of Life, while his brother Ziggy received his nomination for Wild and Free.

Dancehall star Shaggy got nominated for his album Summer in Kingston, Monty Alexander for Harlem-Kingston Express Live and Israel Vibrations for Reggae Knights.

The Grammy Awards ceremony will be aired live from LA’s Staples Center on February 12.

No Beenie at Sting 2011

Self-proclaimed ‘King of the Dancehall’, Beenie Man, told organisers of the annual Sting concert that he will not be performing at this year’s event.

He announced publicly that he will not do the show unless he gets “an explanation” regarding disparaging remarks made by Sting promoter Isaiah Laing during a TV interview a few weeks ago.

He claimed that Laing has no respect for dancehall veterans who helped to build the industry and claimed Laing referred to them as old artistes, who are not able to do anything for his show. He insists that Laing will have to explain what is meant by the term ‘old artistes’.

Additionally, the deejay says if Bounty killer wants a clash, he will have to “link him at some other show”.

Usher’s ex-wife seeks custody

Usher’s ex-wife, Tameka Raymond, is seeking sole custody of their two children.

The former Mrs Raymond claims he has repeatedly failed to obtain her permission to travel outside the state with the children. She also said that Usher closed her Saks Fifth Avenue credit card, which he specifically said he wouldn’t and she can no longer take advantage of the “special benefits” the card offers.

She stated that he is required to get her approval before hiring nannies, give her the first choice to watch the kids when he’s away for more than eight hours and allow her to take the kids for two weeks in the summer of 2011.

She also said that there has been a “substantial change in Usher’s income” since they got divorced and she should get even more money for child support. She filed court papers asking that the singer be stripped of joint physical custody of their children.

— Monique Clarke