THE lack of live air time for the Best Reggae Album category at the Grammy Awards has ruffled many feathers since the music got recognition from the National Academy of Recordings, Arts and Sciences in 1985.

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, favourite to take the award at tomorrow’s ceremony in Los Angeles, says this should change.

In an interview with cbsnews.com, the 64 year-old singer said, “It’s a nice thing to be nominated for a Grammy. However, I do think that people ought to see me on TV, accepting the Grammy. Not the way it is being done at the moment for a reggae Grammy where you just hear about it. It’s about time they show me on TV,” he was quoted as saying.

Cliff is nominated for his Universal Music-produced album Rebirth. It will go up against The Original Wailers with Miracle, Sean Paul’s Tomahawk Technique, Sly & Robbie & the Jam Masters’s New Legend — Jamaica 50th Edition and Toots and the Maytals’ Reggae Got Soul: Unplugged on Strawberry Hill.

Commenting on his chances of winning the award for a second time, Cliff told the website “Well, I’m pushing it.”

He won the category in 1986 with Cliff Hanger.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston