Forty women were given the royal treatment on May 31 at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, where the 10th Queens Of Reggae Island Honorary Ceremony (QORIHC) was held.

Like previous years, founder/promoter Laurell Nurse honoured women who have made their mark in entertainment, media, and academia. They include 99-year-old Sylvia Browne, who nurtured the careers of her five sons (Glen, Dalton, Noel, Cleveland, and Danny) who made significant contributions to reggae-dancehall.

Also recognised was singer J C Lodge, best known for hit songs like Someone Loves You Honey and
Telephone Love. Her career started in the late 1970s recording for producer Joe Gibbs, the man behind
Someone Loves You Honey.

“All creative people would probably still do what they do without recognition, as we have an inner need to express ourselves outwardly,” Lodge told the Jamaica Observer at the event. “However, nothing inspires us more than being celebrated for our efforts; even moreso, when that acknowledgement comes from our female peers, in the form of a tangible keepsake, a prestigious award.”

Also among the QORIHC’s Class of 2026 was artiste manager Marcia Simpson. She was equally pleased at being acknowledged for over 45 years in the music business.

Laurell Nurse.

“Women have become more involved in the music industry by far. It has caused things to grow to a higher level, as women put the touch in making a lot more things right, and it certainly has helped in many ways,” said Simpson. “Giving thanks for the woman’s touch.”

Others receiving QORIHC awards were singers Myrna Hague, Etana, and Tanya Stephens; sociologist Dr Carolyn Cooper; journalists Sherieta Grizzle, Nicola Cunninghan, and Janet Silvera; and designer Simone Gordon.

Nurse, a health-care professional who lives in the United States, was prompted to stage a ceremony for women following a conversation 10 years ago with pioneer Sister Nancy, who bemoaned the lack of respect shown to women in the music business.

The inaugural QORIHC was held in 2016. Nurse and her team have since honoured over 200 women.

— Howard Campbell