Belizean artists, deejays, and sound systems were honored Saturday night at the second Belize Entertainment Award show. The BEAs were handed out inside the Bliss Center but the real show was outside on the red carpet. That's where the 7NEWS team camped out and Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting, [keithkswift@gmail.com]
The carpet wasn't red, actually this year it was more like burgundy but that didn't discourage this legion of fans, both young and old, grandmothers and their grandchildren who stood carpet side and on the seaside in anticipation, some of them waiting for more than hour.
KS: How long have you been out here?
Woman #1:From about 6:25
KS: How are you waiting to see?
Woman #2: I want to see all of them, all of them.
KS: How about you? Anybody in particular you want to see?
Woman #3: Grandmaster man, Grandmaster is a very good poet.
KS: Who do you guys want to see tonight?
Boy #1: Grandmaster.
And the carpet was as good as it got for these stars for a night who came by bus, cars, and limousine. But even a limo couldn't top Dan Man because he arrived on top, the top of an explorer.
Dan Man,
"I am not here to display any fashion or anything, I am Dan Man and I want people to see me as Dan Man. So if I would come out of a car people would be looking at me from head to toe and I am not wearing any diamonds or anything like that."
But Dan Man was the exception rather than the rule Saturday night.
Cita, Belizean Entertainment
"I am nervous and so excited the same time. It was a wonderful experience walking in and everybody screaming, it was wonderful, so exciting."
Keith Swift,
How does it feel to be famous?
Cita,
"It feels great. It feels really great."
Keith Swift,
How did you choose your date?
Leela Vernon,
"He is one of my very good dance partner and I love it because I love dancing, dancing is a part of me."
Ryzden Clare,
"Man its nice, just to be here is all that counts."
Keith Swift,
I am assuming this is your mom.
Mom,
"I'm feeling very happy and I am proud. I am proud of my son and I'm
proud of his success with his songs."
And while Ryzden brought his mom, the poet Erwin X brought a mob, a mob of protestors chanting his anthem.
[Crowd Life Haad Out Yah]
Erwin X,
"This is not about entertainment, this is about the future of our people and our children. From Corozal to P.G. we are suffering in this nation. Life haad out yah."
It might be to Erwin but not to the Grandmaster who issued a lyrical challenge.
Grandmaster, to Woman
"Let me hear you say it loud to see if it will get any better."
And this year the Grandmaster didn't need a fancy tricycle because he arrived with a star's ultimate accessory, an agent.
Grandmaster,
"I want to introduce you to my agent from New York."
For Jobie Yorke, the show's promoter, it wasn't a money making venture and its more than just his personal fantasy.
Jobie Yorke,
"This isn't a money venture for me, honestly I don't even know if I'll make back my money tonight but the biggest thing is that we gave back. The show again, the biggest word is catalyst. This is serving for so many possibilities for our Belizean artists. There is so much talent in Belize and we need to focus on thatg."
And so Belize's biggest night for music is best judged not by the nicest ride, the most expensive suit, or even the biggest entourage. And neither is it judged by the celebs who didn't show up. It is best judged by the fact that all this scenery was to celebrate what matters most: the music.
Saturday night's big winners were Ryzden Clare for best male vocalist, Erwin X for best poet, and a surprise win by Jonathan Kidd for album of the year for his "proud to be a Christian." Belizean Entertainment upstaged Heights A Vibe and won group of the year while Leela Vernon was the first winner in Best Brukdown Category. Lifetime achievement awards went to Mr. Peters and to the Governor General Sir Colivlle Young. The GG couldn't accept his award personally since he was at the City Council's charity ball.
