BOB MARLEY - MARLEY WINS BIG AT REGGAE AWARDS

DAMIAN 'JR GONG' MARLEY was the big winner at the 25th Annual International Reggae + World Music Awards in New York on Saturday (06MAY06) after walking away with Entertainer, Best Video and Recording Artist of The Year honours. Marley, the youngest son of late reggae legend BOB MARLEY, also shared the Songwriter of The Year award for co-writing crossover hit WELCOME TO JAMROCK with brother STEPHEN. Caribbean favourite ALTON ELLIS and reggae veteran EDDY GRANT were handed Hall of Fame honours at the Apollo Theater prize-giving. Other winners included Hasidic rap-reggae star MATISYAHU (Best New Entertainer), MARCIA GRIFFITHS (Best Female Vocalist) and reggaeton sensation DADDY YANKEE (Best Reggaeton Entertainer).