THE BARBADOS MUSIC AWARDS 2011 production was as crisp as expected.
And the less than 2 000 people who witnessed it must have been pleased on two levels: the relatively low turnout was, in fact ,a technical plus; the show put gymnasium acoustics to the test and it passed with flying colours.
Also, the absence of the crush of patrons normally associated with the gala meant ease of movement, no long lines and, most of all, an easy exit.
Rihanna (you can use any of the many accolades before her name) was top of the heap with L’il Rick, who won Entertainer Of The Year awards in their respective categories.
The man with probably the most monikers in local show business also won Soca Artist Of The Year and Song Writer Of The Year.
For his writing skills, the Dawg got a $1 000 cash prize from COSCAP.
Rihanna, not to be outdone, also grabbed Song Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year.
Monstapiece’s Another Level received the Soca Album Of The Year honour, with producer Peter Coppin copping Producer Of The Year.
Besides the coveted BMA award for Best New Artist,the group Cover Drive can visit producer Mike Hullsmeir’s studios “brek”. He has given them a free single recording for their win.
Other awards were: Reggae/Dancehall Artist Of The Year – Buggy Nhakente; Instrumentalist Of The Year – Elan Trotman; Jazz Artist Of The Year – Rosemary Phillips; Gospel Of The Year – The Silvertones; Rap/Hip Hop Of The Year – Az Man; and Band Of TheYear – Nexcyx.
Of the performances, none stood out more than that of Canadian recording artist Deborah Cox, whose set, thanks to the aforementioned acoustics, could go down as one of the best heard voices at that venue.
One could hear all the subtle nuances as her voice rose and fell while riding the jazz rhythms. Her medley, spanning hits like We Can’t Be Friends, That’s The Only Time I Get Sentimental, Did You Ever Love Me, Where Do We Go From Here bore testimony to her range of voice and will not be easily forgotten by serious jazz fans.
Of particular mention too, is four-year-old Trinity Hailey-J Clarke, who should have received a Rommel Primus Award For Bravery on the night for standing before a crowd and singing her Show Love single without a single boo-boo.
The Lawrence T Gay Primary School student was the recipient of the BMA Promise Award,however, and mum, gospel artist Kareen Clarke ,must be especially proud. The offerings of Rosemary Phillips, Kellie Cadogan, Sir Cliff Richard and Ci-Ci are also worthy of special mention.
But wait. There was so much more.
R&B girl group from New York, Allure featuring DJ R-Wan got feet tapping and the female audience members singing along to To Be Real, You Got The Best Of My Love, All Cried Out and Butterflies. Take a bow, Alia Davis, Linnie Belcher, Lalisha McClean and Akissa Mendez. You deserve your International Award Of Excellence.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to John King and the Award Of Excellence was given to Cindy Legall as well as her band Second Avenue.