BTFocus – The Clarkes claim it . . . Mother and daughter create history

Songstress and writer Kareen Clarke and her daughter, performer Trinity, have created history, having dominated this year’s Barbados Flames Gospel Awards.

It is the first time that a pair has won these many major awards in a single year.

Kareen won Original Song and Songwriter of the Year, while Trinity won both the Artiste of the Year and Female Vocalist. This is the second straight year she has won both.

It was a double delight as well since the song Champion, sung by Trinity, is the one which copped the Original Song award for Kareen.

When Barbados TODAY reached out to the two, they were both gracious in thanking the organisers and fans for their support and well-wishers who had heard the news.

Fourteen-year-old Trinity is also a finalist in two other international awards – the Prayze Factor Awards and the Gospel Choice Music Awards. Here at home, she is a finalist in the Baje to the World competition. The young singer said it has been an amazing year thus far. She thanked God for her gift and all those who have supported her journey.

“To be honest, I am still not sure how I am to react and express myself emotionally to these achievements but I mean just look at it, it made the news. It was not planned, not expected. For now, I am just eternally grateful to God for allowing me to win these awards and for my mum for coaching me to victory once again. I also truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support I continue to receive.”

Mum Kareen was equally humble and thankful. The former winner of the Caribbean Song Contest told Barbados TODAY she was not only happy about the duo’s achievements but for all who were in winners’ row as well. As she put, it is a big win for Gospel music in Barbados.

“It is an honour to be awarded for doing what I love with whom I love and for why I love doing it. I am representing the Kingdom, country and my legacy. It also marks the first time in the Barbados gospel industry where a mother-daughter topped these coveted categories. It is with great joy that I share this moment with my daughter. I want to say thank you to the Barbados Flames Gospel Awards for these prizes and to congratulate all the other ‘champion’ awardees of the evening.”

The awards, which were held on Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m., were done in a virtual format. The event which was hosted by Shawn Greene and Joycelyn Wong, featured performers from the United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria and the Caribbean.

Organisers have said that the show will be repeated online on Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, for those who missed it this weekend or for those who faced challenges understanding the process to log in.

Patrons were asked to make a US$20 contribution. It is unclear if the same payment format applies to the repeated shows. (IMC)