Brotha George thankful for Grammy consideration
A recording artiste since the 1970s, Brotha George has done roots-reggae, dancehall and gospel songs. A committed Christian for over 20 years, he believes the music he has released during that period is his most meaningful.
Early this month, his Firm And Strong was selected among 65 albums to be considered for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
For the veteran singer, who lives in Connecticut, the acknowledgement is testament to the project’s quality.
“I am humbled and thankful for this recommendation. The writing process was all from my heart and with the input from producers like Soljie Hamilton, Sidney Mills and Dretegs Productions, they gave me the confidence to do my best. I have done quite a few albums and they all have their different vibes, but this was special to me. With the support of Gibby Morrison, Nikki Burt, Misha Steele and the team – I feel good about it,” he told Observer Online.
Brotha George co-produced Firm And Strong with Mills, his longtime collaborator. He and the former Steel Pulse keyboardist also worked on Unstoppable, his previous album which came out in 2020.
Firm And Strong also features bassist Leebert “Gibby” Morrison, keyboardists Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul, and Andre “Dretegs” Hawthorne.
It is one of the last projects veteran studio engineer Cegrica “Soljie” Hamilton worked on. A close friend of Brotha George, he died last December at age 69.
Other songs on the album are the title track, Babylon is Falling and Mountain Climber.
Originally from Kingston, Brotha George began recording as George Wright (his real name) in 1978. His first song, Secret Admirer, was for producer Ossie Hibbert.
Since converting to Christianity, he has released a number of reggae-driven gospel albums. Although Firm And Strong is up for Grammy consideration, he will not say it is his strongest work.
“I don’t put them (albums) in any order but I just try deliver the best in music and lyrics. The rating process is up to the Father and the fans that have been supporting me over the years,” he said.
Nominees for the 2024 Grammy Awards are expected to be announced in November.
