Reggae music pioneer James 'Jimmy Cliff' Chambers has added yet another feather to his cap after his album Rebirth won the Best Reggae Album category at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards yesterday.

The second-time, Grammy-Award winner came out on top after competing against other giants in the reggae music industry, The Original Wailers with their album Miracle, Sean Paul (Tomahawk Technique), Sly and Robbie and The Jam Masters (New Legend - Jamaica 50th Edition) and Toots and the Maytals (Reggae Got Soul: Un-Plugged on Strawberry Hill).

But the glitzy award ceremony with its pomp and pageantry has left some distaste in the mouths of many of its Jamaican viewers and reggae lovers.

The viewers are displeased with the manner in which the reggae award is announced.

The Best Reggae Album category is usually announced in what is referred to as the 'pre-show.'

The 'pre-show' which occurs hours before the live broadcast of the ceremony, does not give viewers the opportunity to see their nominee accept their award.

Considering reggae's international status, many reggae fans are displeased with what is considered a back-door award.

Cultural expert Dr Donna Hope-Marquis told THE STAR she was very happy for Cliff and that the award was well deserved.

She also went on to state that the ostracising of the reggae category from the live broadcast is a disservice to reggae music and needs to be amended.

"It is doing a great disservice to reggae music. That is why we need to have our own award ceremony here in Jamaica to showcase our music and invite others from overseas to visit."