At the 13th annual Reggae Music Awards at the Field Museum Saturday night, Chicago’s reggae talent strutted and preened in a venue that was stately but not ideal for dancing. Tony Bell and Kutchie, who won the award for best band, opened the show with a stirring mix of roots and culture. Belizean singer Nelson Gill rendered the title track of his second album, “Friends,” which also won best song. And veteran reggae guitarist Yabba Griffiths walked away (again) with the award for outstanding musician. But it was the dance-hall deejays who carried the swing. Rivetingly and with much verve, Devon Brown proved that he deserved the award for most outstanding stage personality. And the spankingly decked-out Kelley Rankin won best deejay/rapper. Debbie Defire and Merle Gayle shared the award for best female vocalist. Carl Brown won best male vocalist in a field that included Devon Brown, Yabba Griffiths, Trevor Roper and Tony Bell.
