The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) says it will extend nominations for its new Album of the Year categories next year to help ensure a full slate of entries.

Albums of the Year for dancehall, reggae and gospel will be handed over on April 10 when the organisation holds its annual awards at Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

Of the three, only the reggae bloc has maximum five entries. Gospel has four and dancehall, two, including Sean Paul’s Grammy-nominated Scorcha.

Everol Wray, a JaRIA board member, told the Jamaica Observer that he is “partially satisfied” with response to the new additions, although the dancehall category fell short.

“Going forward, we will put a longer submission period for nominations. Either the same time as the Grammys or immediately after the Grammys submission closes, so it will be fresh in their minds. Of course, that would be subject to approval by the JaRIA Honour Awards committee. That’s just my personal recommendation,” he said.

The initial deadline for Albums of The Year was March 16. With entries trickling in for the dancehall segment, the process was extended to March 25, then April 2.

“As we weren’t getting enough submissions, Sean Paul’s team, led by Steve Wilson, his road manager, and Carlette Deleon from Headline Entertainment responded immediately. However, when I reached out to an intermediary, Djenne Greaves, who worked closely with most of the dancehall artistes as their musical director, some like Bugle responded immediately while others ignored the call,” Wray disclosed.

Writings Ov Tomato by Gav & Jord is the other nominee for Album of The Year (dancehall category).

The other categories and their nominees are:

Reggae: Hezron, M O A M (Man On A Mission); Tanya Stephens, Some Kinda Madness; Kabaka Pyramid, The Kalling; Bling Dawg, Elev8; Bugle, Toxcity

Gospel: Joy Fairclough, You Reign in Majesty; The Grace Thrillers, Tidal Wave; Wayne Stoddard, Freedom Plan; Petra Kaye, Sing Praises (Live)

Members will vote for winners.

Horace Andy, Dawn Penn and Shaggy will receive Icon Awards during the ceremony, while the 2023 JaRIA Honour awardees are: Ashley “Grub” Cooper (Life of Dedication to Music Industry); Lincoln “Sugar” Minott (Extraordinary Impact — Mentorship); singer Pat Kelly and drummer Lincoln “Style” Scott (Exceptional Contribution — posthumous); Engineers Don McDowell and Leroy “Fatman” Thompson (Extraordinary Contribution); Producers Stephen “Genius” McGregor and Linval Thompson (Exceptional Contribution); sound systems, Volcano and Silver Hawk (Extraordinary Contribution); Desi Jones and Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul (instrumentalists); Melody Makers (duo or group); Byron Lee and The Dragonaires (band); Dermot Hussey (media); Markland Edwards (gospel radio); Billboard Magazine (new media); The Gleaner (print); Rototom Sunsplash (promoter); Dave Kelly (songwriter); Sister Pat and Prodigal Son (gospel artistes); and Bogle (dance).