DEEJAY I Octane has scored nine nominations in this year’s inaugural Clarendon Music Awards on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 5:00 pm at the Quarry, Bustamante High Way in May Pen, Clarendon.

The music awards show will also recognise legendary reggae artiste Derrick Morgan, the first artiste to have spots one to seven on national pop charts simultaneously as the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event also features award presentations, live performances, a VIP reception and dinner. It is expected to be a star-studded event and the largest event of its kind to recognise and honour Clarendon musicians and its entertainment industry.

The project has been endorsed by members of the political establishment including member of parliament for Central Clarendon Mike Henry as well as culture minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.

The first Annual Clarendon Music Awards is the brainchild of David Anderson of Temperature’s Entertainment Limited. This organisation is known for The High School Link-Up Showcase that links past students from all high schools in Jamaica.

“This event will feature the biggest names in the entertainment industry as well as emerging local talent from in and around Clarendon. The Clarendon Music Awards will provide an avenue for good, clean fun and create an opportunity to bring friends and family together while allowing for stress relief,” Anderson, who is also the chairman of the event, said.

He contends that Clarendon has produced several musical talents such as the worldfamous Clarendonions, Millie Small, Barrington Levy, Toots Hibbert, Freddie McGregor, Coco Tea, Liz Mitchell, Denroy Morgan and I Octane to name a few. Along with Morgan, some of these individuals will be presented this year with special awards for their outstanding career achievements and for their cultural and social contribution to the parish of Clarendon.

“Derrick Morgan remains a true ambassador for Clarendon as well as artistes such as Glen Washington, Carlene Davis, Everton Blender, and The Clarendonions Fitzroy ‘Ernest’ Wilson. There will be many other surprise guest artistes at the event as well,” Anderson said.

The event is also expected to be an economic boon to the economy of Clarendon, as it is expected to create short and long-term employment for community members and create new revenue for small businesses in Clarendon.

The Clarendon Music awards is about socioeconomic and cultural development of our community,” Anderson said.

Anderson said that part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Clarendon Street People Association-CLASP and the paediatric ward at the May Pen Hospital, in Clarendon.

The event will be hosted by radio and TV personalities Lady D and Sasha Bling, and there will be performances from Professor Nuts,Merciless, Anthony Cruz, Assailant, Silver Cat, Kashu-Man, Singer Jah and many other local artistes.