Dancehall artiste Sean Paul recently won the award for Best Reggae Artiste at the 2009 Soul Train Awards.
The event, 'Centric presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards', was hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.
The night got started with an exceptional performance by Toni Braxton featuring Trey Songz singing Yesterday. And co-hosts Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson welcomed the audience with a beautiful rendition of Peaches and Herb's Reunited.
Other performances on the night came from the likes of Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Ryan Leslie, Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris Chrisette Michele, Mario featuring Sean Garrett and others.
Best Reggae Artist award
• Movado
• Sean Paul
• Serani
• Taurus Riley
• Ziggy Marley
The nominees for this category were strong contenders. Tarrus Riley a winner of such awards as album of the year, song of the year and new artist of the year in other award ceremonies. Tarrus Riley, son of legendary singer Jimmy Riley and now the protégé of legendary saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser, has been seen by many as a wonderful addition to Reggae music through his music, voice, lyrics and performances. Ziggy Marley needs no introduction; he is an international superstar that has been providing quality Reggae music and performances for decades, as the eldest son of the King of Reggae music Bob Marley he has won probably every prestigious award that a musician can win. Movado is currently one of the most popular artists in the Dancehalls of Jamaica and around the world, the Dancehall artist has crossover and underground hits that have been chart toppers for the past few years. Serani has produced and been a musician on many major hits; recently he became a vocal artist and has enjoyed several hits as a vocalist.
There was also a Motown Records musical celebration in the form of a medley of Motown hits performed by Taraji P. Henson, Boyz II Men, Chico DeBarge, Johnny Gill, Estelle, Vita, Mike Phillips and Melanie Fiona. Charlie Wilson and Chaka Khan both received the Icon Award. They were honoured by the likes of Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Raheem DeVaughn, Kandi Burress, Brian McKnight, who paid homage to Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band who performed tracks like Outstanding, Yearning for Your Love and Burn Rubber.