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It was a night that acknowledged and celebrated Bajan artistry across multiple spheres. From dance to design, fitness to fashion, soca to R & B and mixology to social media personalities, the aptly branded Gine On People’s Choice Awards truly reflected the most impactful creatives, chosen from among a population of their peers.
For the fourth consecutive year, the visionary husband and wife duo of DJ Simmons and Empress Zingha Simmons successfully staged the highly anticipated awards ceremony which has slowly carved its own niche and etched a place on Barbados’ social events calendar.
Last Sunday, March 5, the auditorium of the Frank Collymore Hall was moderately filled with a cross-section of this island’s creatives who gathered to celebrate their peers in the Arts.
From the regal red-carpet experience, inclusive of pre-show interviews, which placed the spotlight on attendees, this year’s gala ticked all the boxes. Belle Holder once again did a superb job as the evening’s hostess, expertly marrying anecdotal stories with humorous quips to keep the show light-hearted, enjoyable and seamlessly flowing. The resident Gine On band and dancers also added to the impressive production on the night.
And as those in the winner’s circle rotated, the awarding of accolades suggested that it was not a mere popularity contest, but a true representation of ‘the people’s choice’ of those excelling within their respective fields.
Nandi Yarde walked away with Dancer of the Year, while Shontae ‘Tae’ Alleyne-Clarke copped Best Emerging Artist of the Year. Brucelee Almightee did the double with Bashment Song of the Year and Bashment Artist of the Year while reigning Soca Monarch Michael ‘Mikey” Mercer also snagged two awards with Event of the Year for his Reunion and Soca Artist of the Year. Talented designer Krishtun was awarded Fashion Stylist of the Year and Designer of the Year while Fitness Trainer of the Year went to Fallon Forde of Falcon Fitness.
In total there were 53 categories and individuals voted online with the Gine On website attracting over 175, 000 visits by over 35, 000 individuals from all across the world.
The evening’s proceedings were punctuated by a number of memorable moments. Instances such as Dameian Williams, who won Mixologist of the Year, inviting fellow mixologist Phillip Casanova to the stage to acknowledge how influential the latter was in his own development only added to the convivial spirit of the entire event. As Chef of the Year Damian Leach held his wooden award high and shouted “Chef Creig not this year bredda!” it evoked laughter and was indicative of the positivity that radiated across the hall.
Ryan ‘Dunksman’ Best’s ebullience as he collected his award for Social Media Personality of the Year was definitely a highlight of the night. The entire audience shared in the exuberance he displayed on receiving the award. As he punctuated his return to his seat with a good ole Bajan wuk-up, that again brought on a hall-wide bout of laughter.
But the evening was also filled with similarly reflective moments which paid homage to a number of influential creatives.
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In making his presentation to Mikey, the Most Honourable Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter and fellow veteran Blood took the audience down memory lane about the latter’s introduction into the industry with Mikey sharing how Blood paid it forward by in turn mentoring him. The Cultural Stage Performer Award, which was awarded to the Barbados National Youth Orchestra, was renamed in honour of Damien ‘Dapper’ Taylor.
In a spine-tingling rendition of The Clock, orange-haired songbird Nikita simultaneously paid tribute to her aunt Carlyn Leacock and reminded all present of Leacock’s indelible contribution to the industry. Again this year, a video tribute also paid homage to fellow creatives who passed away over the past year.
At the end of the over two-and a half-hour long show, the small but hard-working team behind the awards ceremony was acknowledged and praised. As those in the hall cheered, whistled and erupted into applause, it was clear that the Gine On People’s Choice Awards was deserving of its own accolade.
The ever-evolving show continues to push Barbadian talent, shining a much-needed light on the creativity that abounds within these small shores and the island’s ever-expanding cultural landscape.
Ushered in on a high note, with a dynamic performance by Mikey and Nikita, the Gine On show concluded similarly as patrons proceeded into the foyer for a mix and mingle and revel in yet another successful staging of the cultural gala.
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