New York: It was standing room only on Friday night at the Macedonia Community Center in Mt. Vernon, New York as Linkage Productions, a division the new startup radio station Linkage Radio paid tribute to dozens of mostly unsung heroes in the entertainment business that included artists, radio jocks, promoters, radio stations and comedians.
Reggae artists and entertainers Macka Diamond, Ed Robinson, Dobby Dobson, Little Hero, MC Nuffy, Noddy Virtue, Twin of Twins, Mikey ‘Mac Daddy’ Jarrett, Ras Cappo and Ky-enie joined the hundreds of fans who poured into the packed venue to show support for the scores of entertainment insiders who received awards for their contributions to the industry.
“Year after year, there are so many people behind the microphones and behind the scenes who work assiduously to bring life to reggae entertainment, and those people are never acknowledged nor thanked, so I decided to do something about it”, Linkage, the executive producer of the awards told the audience during the ceremony and concert.
Judge Helen Blackwood of the White Plains Judicial District who is of Jamaican parentage saluted the valuable role that Linkage Radio has played in a short time to bring cohesiveness and a sense of purpose to the Westchester community.
MC Fireball who describes himself as a Christian did an excellent job of emceeing the awards, and he seasoned his commentary with chunks of irreverent humor, much to the delight of screaming fans. The event yielded outstanding performances from Noddy Virtue, Ed Robinson, Twin of Twins, Macka Diamond and Ky-enie, but it was the Kingston College old boy and former Gleaner proof reader Dobby Dobson who brought the house down with a jaw-dropping performance that had many patrons standing in their seats to dance to the barrage of classic hit songs that Dobson unleashed.  Dobson proved why he is a reggae icon who has spanned five decades with classics like That Wonderful Sound, Sweet Dreams, Muriel and Loving Pauper.
“The event was a totally delightful entertainment package, fast moving and loaded with comedy,  and it clearly now cements Linkage Radio as a major and relevant force in New York tri-state radio”, commented Jamaican fashion designer Downtown Pat Brown, who attended the awards from nearby New Jersey.
Highlights of the Linkage Productions Awards along with selected interviews will be broadcast on The 151 Reggae Show on Axiomonline.tv on Friday March 19 at 9 PM.

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