Nicky B is “thrilled” About His 2011 EME nomination

Nicky B ended 2010 on a high note, and with his Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Award nomination for Most Improved Artist, 2011 is starting at the top of the scale.

This is his first nomination for an EME and Nicky B (born Nicholas Bennett) will be at the event which will take place March 12th at The East Lawn of the historical Devon House site in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Most Improved Artist award recognizes “a ‘next generation’ artist whose career improves most dramatically in all areas over the eligibility year”. 2010 was a significant year for Nicky B who released several hits and collaborated with a number of notable Dancehall artists including Agent Sasco/Assassin (“Try My Love”), Ce’cile (“Mad Me”), as well as Konshens, Chino and Laden on the hit party song “Fresh to Death”.

Songs such as “Dance Like We’re Making Love/Suga Dumplin”, “Every Gal” (on Russian’s G-Go Club Riddim), and “Crazy Over You” on the Chimney Records-produced Retweet Riddim ensured that he remained a staple on the musical palette throughout the year.

Nicky B says he is “thankful and appreciative” that the music fraternity has seen the growth in his music. He adds “You spend time creating and molding your sound; and for people, especially my peers in music, to see its evolution and my growth as a songwriter, recording artist and performer ...wow… I’m thrilled.”

He joins popular artists such as Romaine Virgo, D’Angel, Bugle, Noddy Virtue, Khago and Christopher Martin who have been nominated in this category. Introduced at the 2009 EME Awards, past winners of the Most Improved Artist Award are I-Octane (2009) and Tifa and Flexx who tied in 2010. The other Nominees for 2011 EME Most Improved Artist are: Chi Ching Ching, David M, Delus, Danielle Aka Di, Zamunda, and G. Warren.

Winners are determined through online voting, text messages and their performance on the Jamaica Music Countdown (presented on Hot 102 FM every Friday afternoon during the Hot Mix hosted by EME Awards chairman and founder, Richie B).

“I’m just looking forward to the show, says Nicky B, “It gets better and better every year. I will be bringing my mom as my date again, and of course my whole team will be there, my dad, my best friends- Voicemail (nominated for Duo/Group of the year). I am definitely looking forward to the performances especially Trina’s and Eve’s.”

US based comedian Raymond 'Rayzor' Davis will co-host the 7th annual Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards which will be held at the East Lawn of the historical Devon house site, Hope Road, Kingston Jamaica. The show will award performers in over 30 categories including DJ of The Year, Best New Artist, Producer of the year and the new category Artiste of the Decade (2001-2010). Jah Cure, Etana, Andrew Tosh, Bounty Killer and Wayne Wonder are some of the confirmed performers. For the first time since its start the show will be streamed live on Jamaicansmusic.com from 6:30PM.

Fans can look forward to more music from Nicky B in 2011. So far he has release his self-produced “Golddigger” featuring Elephant Man, and the Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor-produced remake of New Edition’s, 1988 mega-hit “If It Isn’t Love”. His next release will be “IOL (Ingredients of Love)”. He has also confirmed a European tour in the summer with Voicemail.

Nicky B (Nicholas Bennett) was born into the world of music. The son of legendary Reggae producer Mikie Bennett, he developed his engineering skills and learned much about the industry from the international artists that visited his father’s Grafton Studios: Roberta Flack, Cyndi Lauper, Maxi Priest, Beenie Man, to name a few. Seventeen year-old Nicky laid his first vocals on the hook of Beenie Man’s “This is What it Feels Like”. Since then, he has embraced his vocal gift and collaborated with a host of other artists such as Dancehall acts Agent Sasco, Ce’cile, Konshens, Chino and Laden.

He has carved a strong niche in the French market with appearances on songs by Rohff, Lord Kossity, Zorro Chang, Fefe Typical, Atep, Parisa, Naelle and Goldee. Nicky B has shared the stage with US rappers Lil Zane and Kanye West and performed at mammoth music festivals like Germany’s Summerjam. Over the years he has developed a signature sound called Rhythm and Dancehall (RnD). And he’s also known for his hallmark Skibidi-bung-bang-beng. His current projects include production and songwriting projects for other artists including Denyque Dontre and Sean Paul.