FOR a second year, singer and songwriter Ernie Smith is being recognised by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) at their honour awards. And, like last year, he’ll be unable to attend.

Smith, 71, is being lauded for his exceptional contribution as a songwriter. The ceremony is slated for the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Saturday, February 28.

“I was like oh man! It’s the second time and I can’t make the show. But I am so grateful and just want to thank JaRIA for considering me. I also just have to be thankful to God and everybody out there for still giving me work to the extent that unfortunately, it conflicts with the awards…I am really just so grateful,” Smith told the Sunday Observer.

Smith — who is known for tunes including Duppy or Gunman, Pitta Patta, One Dream and Life Is Just For Living — said he’s scheduled for a performance in Guyana on the day of the awards ceremony. Last year, he was unable to collect his JaRIA Male Artiste award due to a prior gig engagement.

Smith burst on the scene back in 1967 with the song Tears on My Pillow, his first recording which he still guards as his favourite.

With nearly 50 years of writing and recording under his belt, Smith has been able to observe the growth and development of the local music industry and believes that we still have a far way to go.

“Right now, there are some excellent writers and musicians in Jamaica. I have to big up the musicians who have become teachers and in that process have passed on valuable information to a new generation. The Edna Manley College is doing quality work and to that I say keep doing what you are doing. However, space needs to be created on the airwaves for quality work. Right now, there is a lot of junk out there, but the good stuff needs exposure.”

Outside of music, Smith makes himself busy with community development work in St Ann where he resides.

“I am involved in a lot of community capacity building. We provide a lot of information to the residents on things like human trafficking, self empowerment and provide the information necessary if persons wish to start their own business. There is also a building which Janet’s (Smith’s wife) father has and we will be using that for a clinic.”

Still an in-demand performer, residents of Cave, Westmoreland, can catch Smith performing there tonight for the Valentine’s Day offering at Sugar Rock in that community.

Other receipent are Gem Myers, who will recieve the Icon Award; Chaka Demus and Pliers; Stranger Cole and Yellowman.