After conquering Canada ... Jimmy Reid aims at the rest of the world

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Canada-based reggae Lover's Rock artiste Jimmy Reid has earned a milestone in his music career after receiving the Canadian Reggae music award for the 10th time in his career. The artiste also says that he is the most consistently booked reggae artiste from the annual Jamaica Day celebration in Toronto Canada.

"I am like Beres Hammond in Canada, I really respect Beres and his contribution to lovers rock music and based on my respect for him and my goals, I have put in a lot of work to be the best artiste I can be. As it relates to my awards, it's all based on voting so I guess I am doing something good so that is why I won all these awards," Reid said.

Reid's single Naah Give Up has been receiving rave reviews and spent a number of weeks on reggae charts and, for a while, was number two on at least one chart in Jamaica.

According to Reid, performing is easier in foreign countries because patrons overseas are easier to please than Jamaican fans.

Reid believes the Jamaican audience is very sceptic and precise.

"I have done a few shows in Jamaica with The Manhattans and they were good, but it's not the same as when I perform abroad. The Jamaican audiences watch and see what you are doing before they start giving you response, they kinda sceptic and want precise material, but overseas as the first drumstick knock they start dancing. But I believe the best audience in the world are Jamaicans because once you get them to love you, you can't go wrong," Reid said.

Though he seems on the verge of becoming a lovers rock icon in Toronto, Reid still has his eyes set on other goals.

"I received all the awards in Toronto, but Toronto is a small community for reggae so I want to broaden that scope. I want to take my music all over the world and win Grammys and so forth. I was nominated for a Juno Award in Canada which is like Canada's Grammys, but I was beaten by Lenn Hammond who is Beres Hammond's nephew," Reid said.

positive growth

Reid also commented on the progression of Jamaican music after 50 years of Independence, saying there is new talent which will bring positive growth to the local music industry.

"I think reggae music is progressing. I like people like Romain Virgo and Tarrus Riley. They are young singers who are putting in good material. There are some that do music that I don't approve of and I won't mention names ... but I guess there is a market for everything," he continued.

After performing at the Jamaica Day Celebrations in Canada alongside acts like Luciano, Leroy Sibbles, L.U.S.T and Professor Nuts, Reid has gone on to promoting the singles Memories and African Beauty for his album, Naah Give Up.