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Last week we pointed out that the Black Music Association/ Toronto Chapter (BMA/TC) was not going to ask Mayor Mel Lastman to proclaim June Black Music Month in the year 2002. It is interesting that U.S. President George W. Bush proclaimed June 2002 Black Music Month. Check it on the site www.WhiteHouse.gov
The BMA/TC was in the forefront of getting Black Music categories into the Juno Awards. The BMA/TC lobbied the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) beginning in 1984 and submitted a brief on February 7, 1985. The brief said: "The Toronto Chapter of the Black Music Association (BMA) is respectfully requesting that this esteemed body include reggae, calypso and Rhythm 'n' Blues awards in the 1985 Junos.
"As you are aware, the 27th Annual Grammy Awards has added reggae as a category this year. Closer to home, the First Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards will take place this Sunday, February 10."
Many of the BMA/TC's critics claimed that since we were a branch of the United States organization, we were only promoting American Black Music. This claim is untrue. This is what the BMA/TC's brief actually said: "It must be noted that the Grammy's are only including international reggae acts. No American reggae artists were nominated. The BMA is asking that this year's Juno Awards included Canadian reggae acts (which is not to exclude international reggae artists - we feel this should be treated as a separate issue).
"As you are also aware, reggae has already crept into Canadian pop music. Bruce Cockburn employed Larry Silvera and BenBow, two Jamaican musicians, on his smash single "Wondering Where The Lions Are". Cockburn won a Juno for this song."
The BMA/TC fought hard for a separate category for calypso and soca. The brief went on to say: "If I may, I'd like to remind this body that the Parachute Club, 1984's multi-Juno recipients, publicly acknowledge calypso and soca as major influences in their music. This is an example, like reggae, of how calypso and soca have become part mainstream pop."
There is an active Calypso Music Association in Toronto, which is currently attempting to broaden their appeal in Canada. It must always be remembered that in 1955 Harry Belafonte's third recording, Calypso, became the first album ever to sell over one million copies.
Rhythm 'n' Blues historically has always been a factor in Toronto. The BMA/TC made its case for "Sweet Soul Music". Said the BMA/TC: "There is little or no argument about the major influence Rhythm 'n' Blues has on pop music. In fact, many critics feel that Rhythm 'n' Blues is the root of most popular music we hear today.
"In the sixties R 'n' B was king in Toronto. The local R 'n' B scene enjoyed a healthy following and international artists were huge in this market. If there is any doubt of this fact, it can be substantiated in the book by Ron Hall, The CHUM Chart Book 1957-1983."
The BMA/TC even suggested to CARAS that they recognize Black Canadian pioneers for their contributions to the business. Said the BMA/TC: "(We) would urge this committee to consider awarding some of the pioneers of R 'n' B, such as Eric Mercury, for their contribution to Canadian pop music. (Mercury is currently working with the son of the late Thelonius Monk, and has also worked with Roberta Flack and Stevie Wonder.)"
The Toronto Chapter of the BMA took a Pan-Africanist approach to the Junos. The BMA/TC in a written statement called on CARAS to include three new categories in the Juno Awards: "The BMA is calling on this body to include reggae, calypso and Rhythm 'n' Blues awards in the 1985 Junos to be determined by a panel of experts. We feel that at this point, record sales are secondary. By including these categories in the 1985 Juno Awards you can help make multiculturalism a meaningful phrase."
The Junos did create two new categories in the 1985 Awards. Rhythm 'n' Blues/Soul and Reggae/Calypso Awards were awarded beginning that year. There was no separate Calypso Award created. The BMA/TC protested over this issue. We picketed in front of the O'Keefe Centre (now the Hummingbird Centre). The BMA/TC still believes in the Pan-African approach. We once again call on CARAS to respect calypso and soca - the music of the Eastern Caribbean. The international success of Caribana should also be taken into consideration by CARAS. All forms of Black Music must be respected and protected.
