D’Angel set for her ‘Grammy’ moment

Dancehall sensation D'Angel is ready to take the spotlight in a way she has never done before. The powerhouse is gearing up for what she calls her "Grammy moment" after she received a nomination for the prestigious Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award at the 42nd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

"This is my Grammy moment - so I'm pulling out all the stops in terms of fashion, styles, and up my talent because I'm preparing for when I reach the Grammy," a beaming D'Angel told THE STAR with a laugh.

"It means a lot, words can't even explain. My mom was so elated. As a woman in that prestigious category, I feel so empowered - I feel like as a born humanitarian, I have a huge role to play in this world beyond my own imagination; so it's always good when you're doing things, you do it from your heart."

The Spread A Little Love singer has poured her heart into her charity, Angel's Foundation, and the impact of her tireless work is being recognised on the international stage.

"I've been fighting for a good cause through my charity, and now the reward is that I'm nominated in such a category because of the hard work, resilience, and strength I displayed in single-handedly fighting so hard for my charity. To be nominated in this category motivates me to go on and to never give up. It shows that my work is being seen and highly recognised, and it feels real good - I'm smiling from ear to ear," she said, brimming with pride.

Alongside D'Angel in the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award category are legendary names like Bounty Killer, Richie Stephens, Joe Bogdanovich, Sonia Patterson, and VP Records.

This year's nomination carries even more significance for D'Angel, as it's tied to Jamaica's national hero Marcus Garvey, whose recent pardon from the United States has elevated the meaning behind the award.

"This holds a different level now... because it makes me feel even more empowered and honoured, and like the resilience and strength that [Marcus] Garvey had, it goes to show that whatever you're doing, no matter how long it takes, you just gotta keep fighting for what you believe in," she reflected.

"I fight for my charity, and now I'm among those who fought for us and left behind such precedence in instilling in us strength and overcoming, self-belief, honesty, and good worth - which represent me as a humanitarian," she added.

"All of those good qualities that Marcus Garvey had, represent me Michelle Downer in her charity movements - it aligns with my character and even lets me feel more proud of myself and what I stand for as a woman."

D'Angel is also nominated in two additional categories: Best Female Dancehall/Rap Artiste and Most Active Reggae/Dancehall Social Media Entertainer. Asked whether she felt confident about winning these categories, D'Angel responded with a humble laugh, "The fact that I'm nominated already made me a winner. Just to be in the category already makes me a winner. I'm just happy to be a part of it and among other great humanitarians... I just wish everybody the best."

Despite sharing the spotlight with other heavyweights in the industry, D'Angel is not backing down.

"The more the merrier - the more I see a lot of women being celebrated in music, it's a great feeling - to also be celebrating with other hard-working women in the industry," she said.

The 42nd IRAWMA event will take place on Sunday, March 30, at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Florida.

Leading the charge this year is internationally acclaimed artiste Sean Paul, with seven nominations. Fellow nominees include Shenseea, YG Marley, Spice, Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, Nigy Boy, Chronic Law, Damian Marley, Shatta Wale, Jada Kingdom, Shaggy, Gramps Morgan, Agent Sasco, Collie Buddz, and Beenie Man, among others.