United States actor Issa Rae, Virgin Islands performer Keidran “IYAZ” Jones, and Trinidad storyteller Tenille Clarke were among the seven creative professionals honoured during an awards gala held Aug. 2 at Long Bay Beach Resort.
The annual event, hosted for the second time by the VI-based organisation Kickin It, was designed in part to showcase the territory as a rising cultural hub, organisers said.
Awardees were recognised for their contributions to music, fashion, photography, storytelling and digital media.
Ms. Rae, who is also a producer and writer, received the Global Impact Award.
Though she was unable to physically attend, she delivered a virtual acceptance speech, organisers said.
“To all the creatives in the room, I hope that you continue to stay true to yourselves and bring your authentic vision to the world,” she said. “It is absolutely needed.”
Mr. Jones received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of his 16-year career in music.
“I learned that blazing a trail doesn’t always mean walking alone,” he said. “It often means walking through uncertainty with courage, even when the map hasn’t been drawn yet.”
Ms. Clarke, who received the Cultural Impact Award, delivered a speech written as a letter to her late father.
Other honourees included content creators Skylar Marshai and Temi Ibisanmi, who each received the Creative Catalyst Award.
Rising Star Awards went to Igdaliah Pickering for her imaginative fashion designs and to Michael Winter Jr. in recognition of his photography.
The gala also included speeches from performer Adam O, storytelling by Elmore Stoutt, and performances by Kendake, Stefan, Killa Tooma and IYAZ.
Fundraiser
Kickin It founder Kyra James told attendees that the annual gala is a fundraiser for the organisation.
“At Kickin It, our mission is clear,” she said. “We’re reducing barriers to connecting with Virgin Islands culture, providing vital resources for homegrown creatives — and creating safe spaces for community building among residents and our global diaspora.”
The organisation also offers cultural classes through its online “Kickin It University.”
“We’ve welcomed over 200 students and offered 13 diverse classes, and that is just a taste of what we do,” she said. “We create spaces and teach these cultural skills. … From sweet traditions like tart making to the intricate art of plait pole, we are empowering creatives and keeping our cultural skills sharp.”
British Caribbean News
