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Canadian reggae songbird Bonnie Casey, who will join Toots & the Maytals, reggae messenger Luciano, Warrior King, Ernie Ranglin and The Messenjah Band on a world tour to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the USA in April, has earned two nominations for “Most Promising New Reggae Artist” and “Best Female Vocalists” at the 2011 Reggae Music Achievement Awards (RMAA).

“Wow! I’m so excited and overwhelmed to have 2 nominations at the RMAA Awards,” said Casey, from her home in Canada.

“I feel so honored and blessed. This is a special moment that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Since I launched my solo career last year, it has been a whirlwind ride but I have enjoyed every minute of it. I must thank my fans, the media, family and my management team for the hard work that they have put into my career so far.”

Bonnie, who was born to an Irish father and a Jamaican mother is described by those around her as vibrant, outspoken, unique, and as having a caring personality. She began singing at the age of 5 years old and benefited from voice and drama lessons at the Beckett School for the Arts in Toronto. The former Miss World Canada Beauty pageant finalist and fashion model draws her influences from Etta James, Bob Marley, Alton Ellis and Gregory Isaacs. She sings jazz, blues and contemporary songs but is focused on lover’s rock and rock steady rhythms as she seeks to build a long term career in the reggae industry.

Her fresh approach to music, her unique song writing ability, along with her versatile vocal range will no doubt give listeners that ‘wow factor’ that has been missing with many young acts currently in the industry. Using music as a communication tool, she intents to write and perform songs that music lovers can relate to. Her debut album is set to drop in late 2011 and will feature Sly & Robbie and Dean Frazier, who are producers for the project.

The 5th staging of the RMAA will be held on June 4th at the Jamaican Canadian Association, 995 Arrow Rd in Toronto, Canada. In addition to the awards presentation, fans will be treated to an all-star show with performances from award winning international reggae crooner Gramps Morgan, George Nooks and Trilla U. Supporting acts include Exco Levi, Jill Donaldson, Nicole Green, Jimmy Reid and Tony Anthony. Additional music will be provided by Massey Sound and Soul 2 Soul, and the event will be hosted by Ms. Danae Peart of CHRY 105.5 FM, with backing from EOP Band. Also attending this year’s event will be Big A from Irie FM in Jamaica.