The reviews are in and all we can say is… “What a night!” What do you get when you put on an awards ceremony to show heartfelt appreciation towards Barbadian culture and the arts? What do you get when you break down the social divide and fill the Frank Collymore Hall with local artists and entrepreneurs who all share a similar passion for what they do? Well, with much devotion and indisputable love for the future of the creative arts in Barbados, you get the Gine On People’s Choice Awards Ceremony, 2020. Without a doubt, it was a night to remember and a step in the right direction to motivate and change the arts scene in Barbados, forever.

Before the show, founders of Gineon.com DJ Simmons and his wife Keisha Simmons promised that, “It will be a night, branded in your memory…”, and so it was! With the beautiful and soulful personality of Belle Holder as MC, accompanied by the riveting sounds of the Tuk Band, the night was off to a great start. The event quickly rolled on with the presentation of nominees for various categories such as the Yelluh Meat Soca Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year and even the Best place to Eat Pudding & Souse on the island. In short, the ceremony was exciting, uniting, fashion fused and it definitely surpassed all expectations.

The awards ceremony was a breakthrough for many upcoming artists and talents. It gave them hope! Many of the nominees spoke about that one main thing that everyone could relate to, which was how hard it is to get support and make it, in Barbados.

For years, this has been an issue and undoubtedly, whether “popular” or not, ALL creatives have been put to the test of being persistent, dedicated, having little to no support, and even battling taxes and coping with ridiculous prices to succeed on an unforgiving island, where the arts are seen as minute. Nonetheless, this was the reason why many awardees felt a sense of pride after being lauded for their hard work and consistency. To receive an award was an ode to the struggle and a much-needed hug of support to say “keep going!”. 

I think we speak for all when we say from the bottom of our hearts…

Photos by: Amery Butcher

The reviews are in and all we can say is… “What a night!” What do you get when you put on an awards ceremony to show heartfelt appreciation towards Barbadian culture and the arts? What do you get when you break down the social divide and fill the Frank Collymore Hall with local artists and entrepreneurs who all share a similar passion for what they do? Well, with much devotion and indisputable love for the future of the creative arts in Barbados, you get the Gine On People’s Choice Awards Ceremony, 2020. Without a doubt, it was a night to remember and a step in the right direction to motivate and change the arts scene in Barbados, forever.

Before the show, founders of Gineon.com DJ Simmons and his wife Keisha Simmons promised that, “It will be a night, branded in your memory…”, and so it was! With the beautiful and soulful personality of Belle Holder as MC, accompanied by the riveting sounds of the Tuk Band, the night was off to a great start. The event quickly rolled on with the presentation of nominees for various categories such as the Yelluh Meat Soca Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year and even the Best place to Eat Pudding & Souse on the island. In short, the ceremony was exciting, uniting, fashion fused and it definitely surpassed all expectations.

The awards ceremony was a breakthrough for many upcoming artists and talents. It gave them hope! Many of the nominees spoke about that one main thing that everyone could relate to, which was how hard it is to get support and make it, in Barbados.

For years, this has been an issue and undoubtedly, whether “popular” or not, ALL creatives have been put to the test of being persistent, dedicated, having little to no support, and even battling taxes and coping with ridiculous prices to succeed on an unforgiving island, where the arts are seen as minute. Nonetheless, this was the reason why many awardees felt a sense of pride after being lauded for their hard work and consistency. To receive an award was an ode to the struggle and a much-needed hug of support to say “keep going!” 

I think we speak for all when we say from the bottom of our hearts…

Photos by: Amery Butcher