South African funnyman, Trevor Noah is ready to host the 65th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on Feb. 5. Beginning at 8 p.m. on CBS-TV, the former host of the Daily Show plans to fete a celestial of stars assembled for a global party.
According to the three-time emcee, “it’s the biggest music concert in the world.”
Performers include Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo and Bad Bunny among a myriad of celebrated talents.
Ben Winston, executive producer added: “It’s going to be the most star-studded room the Grammy’s has been for many, many years.”
JAMAICANS CAN’T LOSE REGGAE CATEGORY
Unlike last year when disgruntled fans of the reggae genre complained about a group from Virginia named SOJA winning the Best Reggae Album category, this year Jamaicans swept the category.
The fact a non-Jamaican group beat out any home-grown recorder did not sit well with more than a few aficionados.
In past years, complaints were levied against British group, Steel Pulse while more than a few have contended that whenever a Marley family member is nominated there is no impartiality with voters.
Despite his nationality and repute, Lee Scratch Perry has even received criticism for winning the category with unpopular tunes.
However, the galaxy that comprise Jamaican reggae recorders will align in support of talents born on the island.
They include: “The Kalling” by Kabaka Pyramid, “Gifted”by Koffee, “Third Time’s The Charm” by Protoje, “Scorcha” by Sean Paul, and “Come Fly Wid Me” by Shaggy.
QUEEN BEY COULD REIGN SUPREME
Pop diva Beyonce has won more Grammy Awards than any other female. She already owns 28, was nominated 79 times and this year leads every other contender with nine nominations. The Texas native could make history on Grammy’s big night if she wins a single miniature, golden gramophone. She only needs to win one to emerge the winner of the most overall. Now tied with Quincy Jones her B-hive are hoping she will add to her cache by taking all nine and particularly the Album of the Year nod which has been elusive.
2 MOTOWN ‘PERSONS’ TO BE FETED BY 20 MOTOWN STARS
Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy and his business partner/collaborator and label signee Smokey Robinson are still making hits. The pair will be honored during Grammy Week with a special gala, tribute/salute to their pioneering launch of the Detroit-based music label. Named Musicares Persons of the Year, they are the first joint honorees in the organization’s 32-year history. Stars slated to pay tribute to the visionaries include: The Temptations, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Valerie Simpson, the Isley Brothers, Dione Warwick. Sheryl Crow, and others.
“These artists are my friends and I not only love them but I’m honored that they will be performing my music along with hits from the Motown catalog,” Robinson said in a statement.
“I’m so excited.”
