Shawn Storm eyes Grammy recognition

Approximately 119 projects are in that batch including albums by heavy hitters like Ziggy Marley, Beenie Man and Buju Banton. ‘Growth’ is a dark horse to make the final cut when the nominees are announced by the Recording Academy on November 16, but just having his name in the running for music’s biggest showpiece, is a big deal.

Released last May by Rich Boss Records, ‘Growth’ was submitted for Grammy consideration by Channel A TV, a Washington-based company operated by Zambian businessman Davies Chirwa. It was granted Grammy submission status in 2024.

Chirwa, who has been associated with dancehall-reggae acts like Sean Paul and I-Octane, recently began working with Shawn Storm. He says connected organisations such as Channel A TV gives independent artistes like Shawn Storm an opportunity to be heard in influential circles.

“This is about opening doors. When we create access, we create possibilities, not only for today’s artistes, but for the generations coming behind them,” Chirwa noted.

Born Shawn Campbell in Trench Town, Shawn Storm is best known for being a member of Vybz Kartel’s Gaza crew from Waterford, a rough community located on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital.

It was Kartel who produced his first song, ‘Ghetto yutes be Wise’, released in 2007. Shawn Storm recorded more songs for Kartel, as well as top producers such as Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor and Rvssian.

His career was curtailed in September, 2011 when he, Kartel Andre St. John and Kahira Jones were arrested and charged for murdering Clive “Lizard” Williams in Kingston. They denied any involvement in that crime.

In March, 2014, they were given life sentences for murder. Shawn Storm would be eligible for parole after 25 years, but spent roughly 13 years behind bars.

In March, 2024, the British Privy Council quashed his murder conviction, citing juror misconduct. They returned the case to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal to consider a retrial, which they decided against, resulting in the entertainers’ release from prison.

Since being freed, Shawn Storm has resumed recording music. He has performed at Reggae Sumfest and last August secured an American visa and work permit.

Davies Chirwa is founder of the African Achievement Awards which will be held on December 13 at Seattle Hilton in Washington.

(Photo contributed)