Most music pundits agree that women have made significant strides in reggae since the 1960s when its industry took shape. Singer Mye Laurell, organizer of the annual Queens Of Reggae Island Honorary Ceremonies (QORIHC), agrees, but believes there is still some way to go before the playing field is level.
Despite the prevailing gender gap, she soldiers on with the 10th staging of that event, scheduled for May in Kingston, Jamaica. Like previous years, women from various areas of the entertainment industry will be honored.
In a recent interview, Mye Laurell summed up the current status of the reggae woman.
“Women have been shining brightly with criticism and envy and pride and joy. We have come a ways up from being overshadowed and cannot be ignored as was in the past. The half-full glass is still upsetting to the empty glass of past years. So, overall, my conclusion is, yes I am more satisfied than not,” she said.
Mye Laurell started the QORIHC in 2016 after conversing with veteran deejay Sister Nancy about the lack of respect women are shown in reggae. It has honored over 100 people including Sister Nancy, Marcia Griffiths, artist manager/entertainment minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, harmony duo Brick & Lace, actress Audrey Reid of ‘Dancehall Queen’ fame, Patra and Tanya Stephens.
While finding mainstream sponsorship remains a challenge, Mye Laurell says it is critical her show is held.
“QORIHC is bringing to the forefront women who have been overshadowed, denied their glory, forced into shyness and seclusion, and great accomplishments unsung, to shine in their absolute femininity,” she said.
