Artists celebrated at Gine on People’s Choice Awards

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Several members of the creative industries were celebrated and acknowledged for their work at the Gine on People’s Choice Awards on Sunday night.

The highly anticipated event, now in its fifth year, saw patrons stepping out in style at the Frank Collymore Hall for their red carpet moments before the start of the gala ceremony. 

The awards were divided into categories for Music and Media, Visual Expressions, Social Impact and Technical Expertise, Lifestyle and Cuisine, and Performing Artists.

From the outset, the energy was high as Grateful Co, who was eventually crowned Best Emerging Talent, performed his Crop Over 2023 hit, Centre. It featured a new twist, with Sunrokk joining him on vocals. Coopa Dan and Casheda Dottin delivered a slowed-down rendition of Reflection while images of prominent members of the fraternity who had passed on were displayed on the screens.  The evening also featured performances by reggae vocalists Rhesa Garnes and Peach Bless. A.J, the six-year-old son of popular entertainer Bruce Lee Almightee, charmed the audience with his winning entry from the Blackman and Gollop Calypso Competition.

This edition included a special segment recognising industry icons with the Legacy Awards of Excellence under the patronage of the Division of Culture – Prime Minister’s Office. Honorees included Eric Lewis for his contribution to music and performance, Pauline Bellamy for her indelible mark on the local fashion scene, Geraldyne Lynch for her commitment to the art form of dance, Tony Thompson – a staple on the broadcasting and theatre scene, and G. Addington Forde for his impact on culture, history and conservation. Each award was presented by someone close to the honoree, offering personal insights on the recipients.

Known for its light-hearted moments, this instalment did not disappoint. Presenter Lone Realness (also known as LRG) had the audience in stitches when he became so caught up in the moment that he forgot he was holding the envelope containing Rhenea Gaskins’ name for the Model of the Year as he, too, stood waiting in anticipation. Attendees were also among the first to see singer Mole’s sharp new haircut, having shed his signature locs.

Among the night’s recipients was Christian Krishtun Gibbs, who earned another Top Designer Award. Ingrid Holder of Live Wire Entertainment proudly made several trips to the stage to collect awards secured by her team. Their winnings included Bashment Song of the Year by Chief Diin, who also won Dancehall Artiste of the Year and shared Dancehall Song of the Year with Skulla for Dem Know. Leadpipe won Soca Artiste of the Year, and his song Brain Freeze, a collaboration with Jus-Jay, won Soca Song of the Year. Saddis was honoured as Songwriter of the Year.

Some of the winners in the other categories were Carol Toppin for the Warren Jon Doe Forte Radio Personality of the Year and Kira P @lifestylesofkira for Social Media Personality of the Year. Among the categories which were not presented on stage were Album of the Year, which was won by John Yarde for My Everything, Book of the Year — The Unspoken: A Glimpse of the Dark Side of Gang and Street Culture in Barbados by Kim Ramsay, while Children’s Book of the Year was Nightmare Island by Shakirah Bourne, and Theatre Production of the Year was awarded to  Laff-It-Off – Where You get Dat From?

A fashion show curated by Junior Sealy added to the entertainment. The event was hosted by Chrissy D. (STT)