‘It feels great to be recognised’

Multiple Grammy-certified keyboardist and arranger, Paul ‘Wrong Move’ Crossdale, was almost moved to tears after sharing his excitement on being finally recognised as one of the pioneer keyboardists, whose precision and creativity have been central to Grammy-level productions and live reggae performances for years.

The musician who received his flowers at the 2025 Grammy Certification Ceremony on Saturday was still overwhelmed with joy upon speaking with The Gleaner shortly after leaving the stage.

As he stuttered to find words to best express the moment, he finally declared, “I am humbled, but at the same time, I was wondering when would be the day I could get supm like this. I never expected anything like this, so I was overjoyed,” said Crossdale.

While making his speech paying homage to some of the other musical greats with whom he has worked, the musician’s voice broke and he beckoned to Firehouse Productions’ producer/musician, George Miller to join him on stage. He later told The Gleaner that this was a form of moral support and he also wanted to also share the moment with Miller who played a fundamental part in his journey.

“He has been a part of the journey from ever since suh mi affi call him when I realised that I was getting a bit emotional with the excitement and the nerves yuh nuh. But It feels great to be recognised. It’s really a meaningful moment knowing that I’m being recognised in this way,” he underscored.

In a light-hearted gesture, he also noted that this recognition has proven that he has learned how to make the right moves on the keys, as opposed to his moniker ‘Wrong Move’.

“Yuh know dat name was given to me by King Tubby,” he laughed. “When mi used to play back den, there was a lot a mistakes, mi neva really focus and Tubs wudda seh ‘wrong notes yuh a play man, come again. A suh mi get di name,” he shared with a laugh.

Crossdale was certified for his contribution as a keyboard composer on Shabba Ranks’ 1992 Grammy-winning album As Raw As Ever; Shaggy’s Boombastic which won the Grammy in 1996; and Art and Life, the 2001 Grammy-winning reggae album from Beenie Man.

Crossdale noted that one of his most memorable moments in music is from working on Buju Banton’s hit single Till I’m Laid to Rest which he said helped to “revolutionise dancehall”.

“Is we bring back Nyahbinghi inna dancehall style. Even with Determine Kette Drum, a we revolutionise the [musical] space wid dat and that’s where everything begin suh even Buju’s song was a spin off from it,” he stated.

With his musical inspiration stemming from an innate love and passion for the genre, Crossdale said this was his “true calling”.

“My mom’s a music teacher and my dad was super talented – he was a trumpeter and he also played the accordion. They inspire mi a lot of course but it was in di genes so I had to do this as a profession because mi use to duh nine-to-five enuh but it neva really a work out because yuh see from yuh get a calling, yuh cyaah run from yuh calling and a my true calling dis,” shared the multi-talented musician.

Among the other prestigious awardees were producer, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell; engineer Lloyd ‘John John’ James; reggae singer, Romain Virgo; backing vocalist, Heather Cummings; musical quartet T.O.K. as well as several other musical giants and foundation members of the industry.

The night ended in a musical fiesta. Among the performers who helped to bring the curtains down in style were Cutty Ranks, Bushman, Flourgon, and Mr G and a host of other acts.

natasha.williams@gleanerjm.com