Comedic dancehall artiste Professor Nuts will be the recipient of this year’s Ruggu Dat 14 Karat Golden Mic Award on April 27 at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.

Appearing and presenting the award will be his close friends Beresford Hammond, Damion “Jr Gong” Marley and Orville “Shaggy” Burrell.

“It was an easy decision to award Professor Nuts for this year’s Golden Mic Award because he has been so involved in the development of dancehall in the aspect of fun, light storytelling entertainment from its inception. As a judge on talent show Magnum Kings and Queens Of Dancehall for a decade he has also helped shepherd new talent to the forefront of dancehall here in Jamaica. A lot of times we don’t acknowledge the work of persons who have paid their dues until too late and then any appreciation becomes posthumous, we wanted to change this and that’s why the committee was formed,” said executive director of Ruggu Promotions Don Christopher.

The celebratory event, curated to recognise the contribution of members of the Jamaican music community who have a career spanning more than two decades, will have its inaugural staging at the Ruggu Dat 80s 90s Music Festival.

The Ruggu Dat 14 Karat Golden Mic Awards committee is made up of business leaders from Florida and Jamaica, as well as artistes and entertainment personalities, including known broadcaster Richard Burgess, also known as Richie B. The intention is to have the committee select a recipient yearly to receive the award made of actual 14 karat gold.

“We wanted the award to be something that would be unique and valuable in itself, so it’s not only coveted for the honour it represents, but for the actual item. Recipients of the Ruggu Dat 14 Karat Golden Mic Award will value the actual award knowing it costs approximately US$4,000 to make,” financial controller of Ruggu Promotions Dr Patricia Brown-Gordon added.

The Ruggu Dat Golden Mic Awards event will also include music from sound system stalwarts Metro Media and Kool FM DJ Krazy Kris, with performances from Lady G, Professor Nuts, and Agent Sasco. It will be hosted by former Magnum Kings and Queens Of Dancehall host Yanique “Curvy Diva” and comedian and broadcaster Christopher “Johnny” Daley.