YFB January Issue- Events- The 2011 Barbados Music Awards {Natalie G}

The 6th annual Barbados Music Awards was a theatrical masterpiece. From staging to lighting, seating arrangements and an amazing sound system, Timeless Entertainment must be commended for a job well done.

The communicated starting time was 7pm. However, I arrived fashionably late OF COURSE at the precisely timed instant of 7:15 pm. Wanting to be fashionably late and not Bajan late, I by passed the hustle and bustle of the catwalk length red carpet at the entrance of the VIP so I could be seated for the start of the event. However, my master plan caught a minor snag as I was whisked away to an interview with CBC's Pearson Bowen who did a magnificent job of covering all the red carpet and behind the scenes of the glitz and glamour.

At 7:30 I was seated and shortly after an announcement was made- there was some confusion in the printing of the tickets of which some stated a 7pm start which in fact was really the start of the red carpet event  (there goes my fashionably late into geekishly early !! sigh). Producer of the show Ronnie Morris quickly clarified the mix up and at 8 pm, Mac Fingall announced the start of the show with the national anthem by an all boys group "The Faithful Few" and that they were. These young men put their own special touch on a wonderful variation to the national anthem, a perfect start to the night.

Not only star studded, with acknowledgments of guest like Hon. Minister of Sports, Family and Culture Mr. Stephen Lashley, Tessanne Chin & Wayne Wonder  but  was also filled with 100% Bajan splendid performances. Peach & Superstar backed by the High Grade and Timeless Bands started the performances off with a soulful rendition of their reggae hit "Pressure Point" .They were followed by other fantastic performances from the Reggae Experience with Daniel of the band Fully Loaded, Hotta Flames and Buggy Nhkente who reassured the audience that the future of conscious, quality reggae music in Barbados is in perfectly capable hands. Having just returned from an international show in an arena holding more than 15 000 people, Timeless Entertainments sound system was of excellent quality.

Emcee for the night Mac Fingall was not to be outshone. As a true master of ceremonies he kept the show flowing, tasteful and hilariously entertaining with comedy that kept the audience occupied and in stitches. Lifetime Achievement awards, Cornerstone awards and awards of Merit went to a host of individuals including: Richard Stoute , Allan Shepherd  and Shirley Stewart among others but the most touching of all was witnessing Smokey Burke on stage not only accepting his award in fine form and in great spirit after his battle with cancer, but seeing him also perform so skillfully "Up On The Roof" a Drifters Classic.

Rihanna cleaned up taking home a handful of awards this year for hits like "Hard", "Love the Way You Lie" and "Rude Boy". Fellow international star Shontelle also took away an award for her smash single "Impossible".

Noteable mentions were the inspirational gospel performance by Allison Norville Forde,  the oh so smooth Biggie Irie , the party starters Mr. Dale, Lil Rick and the Hypa Kids, the classic love ballad by Shirley Stewart"Walk Away", the St. Leonard's Boys Choir and international Superstar Faith Evans.  My favourite performance for the night came from Terisha Holder .MAN OH MAN!! This girl has got a set of pipes out of this world. With antics of Fantasia Barrino and the style to match, sultry yet smooth like Anita Baker, strong and powerful like Ms. Labelle herself. Talent is an understatement when describing Terisha, she should be signed, sealed and delivered, definitely a star in the making.

I would give the show 8 / 10 as improvements can always be made. I think the public would like to know the judging criteria for the nominations of international artist alongside Barbadian artist. This was supported by grumbles a few rows behind me expressing some confusion into how Eminem feat. Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie" was nominated in the category of Barbadian artistes.

In my opinion the awards have seen a great improvement over the years and can only continue to serve as a platform to propel Bajan artistes further, giving them that opportunity where the industry says a big thank you for your hard work and dedication; your efforts have not gone unnoticed .Kudos to Timeless Barbados Entertainment Agency and I look forward to the 2012 awards.