JIMMY Cliff, Lloyd “Judge Diamond” Ferguson, and Toots Hibbert are among several acts to be honoured at the second annual Jamaica Music Experience (JAME) and True Tribute Awards slated for the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in New York on Saturday, September 10.

According to awards founder LeRoy Graham Jr, the JAME and True Tribute Awards is a unique celebration of Jamaica’s culture, history and development within the music industry and beyond. The event also raises funds and awareness for several education projects in Jamaica and the USA developed through the True Tribute Organization Foundation.

“Our inaugural presentation took place in 2018,” said Graham. “However, due to the COVID pandemic we have been unable to host the event for the past few years. So we are titling this year’s event the second annual presentation even though in fact several years have passed since the first.”

In addition to Jimmy Cliff and Judge Diamond, other acts in the entertainment category include Derrick Morgan and Johnny Osborne — all of whom will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards — as well as Beverly Kelso, member of the original Wailers, and Doreen Schafer, a pioneer female vocalist with the Skatalites.

In addition to Toots Hibbert, posthumous honours are in order for Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Cecil “Sonny” Bradshaw and veteran record producer Sonia Pottinger.

“Our mandate is to acknowledge, preserve, and continue the achievements of Jamaican foundational musicians and pioneers, who truly embody Jamaica’s rich music and cultural legacies. These individuals have exhibited an indomitable spirit and fortitude to overcome tremendous obstacles in pursuit of sustainable progress and have positively influenced society through their dedication, character, and principles during their lives,” said Graham.

Lloyd “Judge Diamond” Ferguson is the last surviving member of trio, The Mighty Diamonds.