Held at the world renown Music Box Theater in Hollywood, Ca., the 15^th Annual Los Angles Music Awards was a spectacular night for the independent music industry and artists alike. The 15th annual awards evening honored almost 80 musicians, producers, designers and other technicians who normally fall below the radar of the glitzy Hollywood trophy fests that clog TV screens during the year. Unlike the often-palpable backbiting and sniping that takes place away from the red carpet at big-budget bling-bling fests, a warm atmosphere prevailed. Rockers of all ages met, ate, drank and socialized in the intimate Hollywood Boulevard venue, as this years presentation focused on the 50th anniversary of Rock ’n’ Roll. Some of the industries top names and executives, artists and musicians were on hand for this gala event.

With the ever-growing popularity of the LA Music Awards the press was in full force.

Representatives from Europe, Asia, South America, U.S. and Jamaica enjoyed and witness a gala and prestigious event. The ambiance at this popular Hollywood venue was impeccable. Congratulations to Mr. Al Bowman and his production staff for a job well done. The evening’s formalities flowed flawlessly and everyone on hand had a beautiful evening befitting of an event of this prestigious caliber.

International Reggae Artist, Donovan Banzana represented the reggae genre by receiving the “Independent Reggae Artist of the Year for 2005 award”. His new album Life’s Code of Ethics guaranteed Banzana’s unanimous choice. “It is so refreshing to see reggae music has taken on this momentous turn to bring back the loved production and lyrics that made reggae music ever popular world wide, the potency that attracted the loyal Marley fans globally. Life’s Code of Ethics is stimulating and is definitely food for the soul,” commented, Alfred C. Bowman Founder/Executive Producer of the LA Music Awards.

I asked Donovan Banzana about his album that has been getting rave reviews from different regions of the world, it obviously has been accepted by many different genres, and is gaining popularity. Banzana commented, “This music that I sing, and the message that it brings, is like unto a bullet. It is non-partial. It has no regards for ranks or file, nor foot soldier, straight up the ranks to the Field Marshall or the Five Star General. It bows not to Presidents or prime ministers, kings or peasants. It holds no sentiments for any ethnic group or religious fanatics. It take no side, and has no political affiliations, it singles out no group and carries no racial slurs that has the potential to spread hatred and bigotry among the human kind. It is design and spiritually inclined to tap into the human physic, to create and constructively formulate positive change, growth and integration. It is food for the soul of men. To bring about revolution, but nonviolence. It respects no thugs or gangsters. This music sees no color, but it sure has class and is intended for one race and that is the Human Race.”

-Vic Sumner

Earl “Jr. Jam Roc” Lyn, Donovan Banzana, Former VP of Capitol Records/ Mercury Records Jeff Cheen, Career Achievement Entertainment Executive Awards Recipient and Life Time Achievement Award Recipient Kim Weston “ It Takes Two Baby” Motown Records Diva.

Donovan Banzana