The Youth View Awards (YVAs) was without a doubt all about the ‘young, hot and hype’ last Saturday night at the National Indoor Sports Centre with smashing performances from local acts and American artistes New Boyz.
The third edition of the annual event saw a vast improvement in organisation, dcor and a much larger crowd than previous years with a well-executed red carpet, few breaks during the show, quick performances and a vibrant crowd that kept the energy high throughout the night.
Hosted by singer, rapper and socialite American Teyanna Taylor, Chino and Lady Rennae, the event kicked off at 9 p.m. with the YVA Nation doing its rendition of Jay Z’s Run This Town. Inside, the venue was elegantly decorated in black and white with a large stage, big screens for fans to see, VIP area for the artistes and backstage transformed into a club for the after party. Aidonia was in fine form as he performed Evil Head to a positive response from patrons. Voicemail, accompanied by Overmars and the Above a Dem squad also made waves. G Whizz rolled out a hand cart as he walked into the venue in his merino and jeans, reminiscent of his music video for Life, as he came onstage singing the hit song and soon put on more clothes to represent that his life had ‘sawt out’.
excited fans
Being Bob Marley’s birthday, the reggae legend was not forgotten as Tessanne Chin alongside a guitarist sang his Woman Hold Her Head and Cry; with her powerful voice, Chin brought chills to the audience. Etana followed with Redemption Song and her song Roots.
To-Isis did a surprising rendition of I Can Transform Ya, which talked about bleaching. Teyanna Taylor did a dance number to Ester Dean’s Drop It Low as she went into the crowd causing the already excited fans to scream even more.
Trever Off Key brought a touch of comedy to his performance re-doing popular songs, making way for Chino with a medley of Who God Bless, Protected and From Mawning. Tifa tore the house down as she flipped and danced to So Sick and ‘spelt it out’ with the help of the crowd. Accepting her award for the best female artiste, the young deejay was teary eyed as she thanked her fans.
Ding Dong also tore the house down as he and Ravers Clavers danced up a storm to Holiday. Shady Squad’s dance routine had persons wanting more while Elephant Man came out in a hulk body suit for a mini-skit and delivering his usual energy. At the end of the night, however, it was New Boyz that patrons were eager to see as they got up out of their seats in anticipation. When New Boyz came onstage it was pandemonium as fans screamed and tried to get as close to them as possible. Singing Tie Me Down and You’re a Jerk, the duo acknowledged how well received they were in Jamaica and hoped to return soon. After the show, persons stuck around to party with the stars at the after party held at the same venue.
List of winners:
Favourite Music Video: Holiday
by Ding Dong and Chevaughn
Sound of the Year: Renaissance Disco
Best Dance Group: Sample Six
Best Chart-topping Song: Love Dem
by Vybz Kartel
Favourite Local Sports Team:
Reggae Boyz
Favourite Artiste of the Year: Tifa
Favourite Artiste of the Year (male):
Vybz Kartel
Favourite Group: Voicemail
Cultural Artiste of the Year: Tarrus Riley Producer of the Year:
Stephen McGregor
Favourite Local International Act:
Sean Paul
Favourite Male Dancer: Ding Dong
Favourite Female Dancer: Mystic
Gospel Artiste of the Year: DJ Nicholas
Favourite Radio Personality: ZJ Liquid
Best Fashion Icon (female): D’ Angel
Best Fashion Icon (male): Beenie Man
Best Local Clothing Brand: Cooyah
Favourite Entertainment Show: Review
Best Female Artiste: Tifa
Best Male Artiste: Vybz Kartel
Favourite Video Director: Jay Will
Favourite Female Sports Personality:
Shelly-Ann Fraser
Favourite Male Sports Personality:
Usain Bolt
Young Hot and Hype Female: Tifa
Young Hot and Hype Male: Chino
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