NCF to host music and entertainment awards

The music and entertainment industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is to receive a well-deserved boost. At a press conference held on Monday, August 18th, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) announced that a Music and Entertainment awards ceremony will take place at the Aquatic Club on November 22nd, 2008.{{more}} According to NCF Board member Fidel Taylor, the awards ceremony aims to “…recognise and honour the contribution of individuals, groups and organisations, and to celebrate and promote Vincentian music in all its forms.”

In her remarks, NCF Chairperson Ann-Marie Venner presented the categories that nominees will be judged in. Namely; Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artiste (male or female), Vocal Duo or Group of the Year, Male/Female Vocalist of the Year, Singer/Song-writer of the Year, Disc Jockey of the Year, Musician of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Radio Station of the Year, Best Traditional Folk Album, Best Christmas Album, Best Instrumental Composition, Best Musical Arrangement, Best Drumming Group, Best Senior Classical Musician, Best Junior Classical Musician, Best School-based Steel Orchestra, Best Dance Band, Calypsonian of the Year, Pan Soloist of the Year, Best Gospel Artiste, Best Gospel Group, Best Gospel Band, Best Music Video, Best Community-based Steel Orchestra, Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Achievement Award.

Minister of Culture René Baptiste, in her remarks, assured the public that “The NCF will continue to give its assistance in every way possible to ensure that our artistes come to national attention, and, as well, give them regional and international recognition.” Baptiste was quick to point out that the NCF, which is a statutory body established in 2002 by an act of Parliament, is not without its difficulties. She related that the organisation has no office or staff to date, but instead relies on the “good will” of the Ministry of Culture’s workforce.

This awards ceremony will be the first of its kind in SVG, and Minister Baptiste admitted that the NCF has been looking at the management of ceremonies such as the Barbados Music awards and the Grammy Awards for guidance.

Public voting will decide the winners in each category. Submission forms can be obtained online at www.gov.vc or from the Ministry of Culture office. (JSV)