KINGSTON, Jamaica—In recent years, people have taken to social media to weigh in on the nominations and eventual winner of the best reggae album category in the Grammy Awards.
The discussions include who should rightfully be nominated to who is more deserving of winning the coveted award, which is highly regarded as music’s biggest honour.
Recording artiste Principle has added his voice to the conversation, however, he is calling for more categories that target Jamaicans.
“There has always been talk about who is nominated and who should win or shouldn’t have won. There is always some form of controversy. But I am hoping that principle will be at the forefront one day and the deserving albums are nominated, and the most deserving project is declared the winner,” Principle told Observer Online on Monday.
“I would like to see an expansion on the categories for reggae music, to include a best new reggae artiste category. Some people have been calling for a separation between dancehall and reggae. So maybe a best dancehall album category as well,” he added.
Principle released his latest single Jamaica Nice on October 13. It was produced by Bertram Burgher of King Shiloh Sound and written by Nicholas Sylvester.
“Jamaica Nice was written to showcase a basic idea of what Jamaica has to offer the wider world. We are putting in the work to promote this song, and we have a video being worked on at present,” said Principle.
Several months ago, Principle got some traction with the song Visa, which, he said, opened several opportunities for him.
“I consider Visa to be my breakthrough song. Because of that song, I was able to do several media interviews and perform on a few shows,” said the artiste who was originally known as Chucky Wonder.
Principle, whose real name is Germaine Bernard, is a native of Constitution Hill in Red Hills.
