By Samantha Simon
The inaugural Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards made history Wednesday evening at the John E St Luce Finance & Conference Centre, bringing together generations of musical talent to celebrate the nation’s rich musical heritage and honour its outstanding artists.
Awards were presented across multiple categories, with several notable winners including Rasheed Walker for Gospel Artist of the Year; Leston “Young Destroyer” Jacobs for Calypsonian of the Year; and Claudette “CP” Peters dominating in two categories — Soca Artist of the Year and Best Recording Artist of the Year.
Peters, celebrating 25 years in music, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Creative Industries and the Department of Culture for launching the initiative.
In the steelpan categories, Aubrey Samuel took home the Pannist of the Year award, while Malik Smith of Panache Steel Orchestra was adjudged Arranger of the Year.
The Caribbean Union Bank Hells Gate Steel Orchestra – which is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary – copped the Steel Band of the Year award.
Meanwhile, in the People’s Choice Awards category, several other outstanding talents were recognised: Andrew Dorsett – Producer of the Year; Jordan Thomas – Dancehall/Reggae Artist of the Year; Academy Zone – Sound Clash Group of the Year; and DJ Quest – DJ of the Year.
In the Instrumental category, Khadija Simon was awarded Instrumentalist of the Year.
The ceremony paid tribute to several musical legends with Lifetime Achievement Awards, including Sir McLean “King Short Shirt” Emmanuel, the undefeated Paul “King Obstinate” Richards, and the iconic Burning Flames.
Recounting his humble beginnings “from the cane fields of Antigua,” King Obstinate expressed heartfelt gratitude to the musicians, arrangers, and fans who supported him throughout his career.
The special Ricardo Drue Foundation Award to celebrate emerging talent, was presented to Cycle.
Meanwhile, the special recognition awards category honoured institutions and individuals who have contributed significantly to musical education and development, including Le Chateau D’or Music Academy and the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Additional Special Recognition awards honoured the Antigua Barbuda Chorale and Antigua Community Players for their choral contributions.
Long-serving musicians such as Herbert “Burga” Joseph; Junior “Jagger” Martin, and Marion Byron were also acknowledged for their contributions to the nation’s musical landscape.
The ceremony also celebrated the dedication of veteran musicians including Lionel “Big Boy” Mason; Eustace “Gataeux” Harris; Gavin Christopher, Dr George Roberts, Vinema Phillip, and Stonewall Reloaded (represented by Whitney).
Further honours went to Chickie’s Hi-Fi, Shelly Tobitt, and Ogliver “Destroyer” Jacobs, who was celebrated for a remarkable 57 years of continuous service to music.
Marion Byron was recognised for her significant contribution to music education, having devoted 42 years to teaching both privately and publicly.
The evening was interspersed with performances, including a moving pan rendition tribute to the late Sir Rupert “King Swallow” Philo by Japhon Barthley, and a powerful duet of “The Impossible Dream” by Jashan Hughes and Daina Barnes.
Director of Culture Khan Cordice emphasised that the event should “continue to inspire and pave the way for even greater achievements for Antiguan and Barbuda music”.
Speaking after the ceremony, Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew emphasized the awards’ significance in recognizing local talent.
“Part of the reason why this event is so important is that it shows that we care. It shows that there’s someone who’s paying attention to the work that all of these artists and musicians put in over the years.”
He acknowledged that while Antigua and Barbuda’s smaller economy means artists who “could have been multi-millionaires” in larger countries continue to work for the love of their craft.
Matthew also revealed that this celebration of local talent is part of a broader cultural initiative, which includes a pilot programme introducing creative arts education in schools.
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