Seven stalwarts who have made exemplary contributions to the growth and development of Jamaica's music over the past 50 years were honoured with commemorate awards during Thursday night's start of the 2012 edition of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, near Falmouth.

The awardees are songbird Marcia Griffiths, deejay legend King Yellowman, famed bass player Lloyd Parkes of Lloyd Parks and We the People Band, the iconic king of ska, Derrick Morgan, master crooner John Holt, multi-award-winning superstar Shaggy, and prolific hit-maker Maxi Priest.

"We have a fantastic musical legacy here in Jamaica, and these are some of the real giants behind it," said businessman Walter Elmore, chairman of Art of Music Productions, the producers of the festival.

"We feel honoured to be showing our appreciation to these stalwarts as a part of the Jamaica 50 celebrations."

The awardees span the gamut of Jamaica's music, covering the period from ska, which was popularised by the likes of Derrick Morgan; to Shaggy, one of the cheif architects behind the popularity of dancehall music globally, having sold over 20 million records worldwide.

45 years in music

"This is an award I will surely cherish," said Marcia Griffiths, who will be celebrating 45 years in music this year.

"It is special because it came at a time when we are celebrating 50 years of success in Jamaica's music," she said.

Griffiths, who along with the other awardees performed on Thursday night, was one of the stand-out acts, delivering a masterful set, which left no doubt that she has neither lost her enthusiasm for the music nor her ability to unleash mesmerising performances.

King Yellowman, who emerged in the late 1970s as the first deejay to tour the world to critical acclaim, was ecstatic with his award, noting that a king was not usually honoured in his own country.

"I have travelled the world, but I love Jamaica the best", said Yellowman, who overcame the stigma of being an albino to become one of Jamaica's most celebrated entertainers.

"When I get an award in Jamaica, it carries a special feeling because this is from my people."

Prior to receiving his award from Elmore, the incredibly fit-looking King Yellowman, rolled back the clock with a dazzling performance, which included a generous offering of his major hits.

Derrick Morgan and John Holt, considered pillars of Jamaican music, set the stage on Thursday night for Maxi Priest and Shaggy, who are expected to figure in the future of the music.