By Simone Tull
Local talent continues to have a spotlight shone brightly on their stellar contributions to the art and culture of Barbados with the staging of the Gine on People’s Choice Awards. Conceptualized by husband-and-wife duo DJ and Empress Zingha Simmons, the event, which is now in its fourth year, honours creatives from all spheres.
Nominees and their supporters gathered at the Frank Collymore Hall to receive recognition for their roles in developing the cultural landscape. While some received their awards at the Cocktail Mix and Mingle reception that was held last week, others had the opportunity to bask in the admiration of their peers at Sunday’s celebration ceremony.
The parade of presenters consisted of some of the major players on the scene, and the comfortable dialogue which preceded the presentations of each award kept the patrons thoroughly entertained. Whether it was the soca maestro The Most Honourable Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter cracking jokes at the expense of fellow calypsonian Mikey or the hilarious antics of Mole and Bruce Lee Almightee, the audience enjoyed every second.
Among the categories presented were Chef of the Year, which was won by Damian Leach and Mixologist of the Year went to Dameain Willams for the second year in a row. Nandi Yarde secured Dancer of the Year, while reigning
Road March King Bruce Lee Almightee added the title of Bashment Soca Song of the Year to his growing list of accolades.
If an award was to be presented for the most exuberant recipient for the night, that would go to Ryan Dunksman Best hands down. To say he was excited about his win as Social Media Personality of the Year would be an understatement. Also in the winner’s row was Soca Monarch Mikey, taking home the Soca Artiste of the Year Award. Christian ‘Krishtun’ Gibbs walked away with both the award for Designer of the Year and Fashion Stylist of the Year.
The show opened with a performance of Mikey and Nikita performing their upbeat soca track Ready. However, Nikita was in a more sombre mood when she returned to pay tribute to her aunt Carlyn Leacock with a rendition of her classic hit song The Clock. Awardee Buggy Nhakente performed Beautiful Woman. Some familiar faces from the dance scene joined forces to perform a piece to a medley of popular soca tracks.
Cultural practitioners who have passed away were honoured with a video montage. In the spirit of paying homage to those who have made an indelible mark on the industry, one category was renamed the Damien Taylor Cultural Stage Practitioner Award and was awarded to the Barbados National Youth Orchestra.
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