The pioneering Iyanola Online Music and Entertainment Awards has concluded its inaugural ceremony with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s cultural recognition landscape. Held exclusively through digital platforms on January 21, this groundbreaking event honored creatives who have substantially influenced the island’s popular culture through a unique public voting system.
Sedale Simei, a key architect of the awards program, expressed profound satisfaction with the overwhelming response from both artists and the general public. In an exclusive discussion with St. Lucia Times, Simei revealed that the entertainment community has enthusiastically embraced this initiative to highlight their cultural contributions. “The creators occupying Saint Lucia’s entertainment space have demonstrated tremendous appreciation for this recognition of their work,” Simei noted, adding that the organization already envisions enhancements for future editions.
The nomination process presented considerable challenges due to the abundance of creative talent across the island. Unlike traditional award ceremonies where committees evaluate artistic merit, the Iyanola Awards employed a distinctive methodology focusing exclusively on cultural impact. “This isn’t about determining superior artistry,” Simei explained. “Our fundamental criterion was identifying those who made the most substantial impact on Saint Lucia’s popular culture, with the public ultimately deciding the winners through democratic voting.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the successful launch, the organizing team maintains a forward-looking perspective regarding improvements. Simei acknowledged opportunities for refinement in category development and nominee selection processes. “We’re critically examining our nomination mechanisms to ensure equitable opportunities and robust competition within each category,” he stated.
Future expansions include broadening the award categories to incorporate currently underrepresented entertainment sectors. “We deliberately limited categories initially to avoid overwhelming participants,” Simei commented. “However, we anticipate incorporating recognition for makeup artists, boutique owners, and gender-specific accolades like Best Female Artist of the Year in subsequent ceremonies.”
The complete list of distinguished recipients includes:
– Dennery Segment Artist Of The Year: Umpa
– Best New Artist Of The Year: MC Dalo
– Best DJ Of The Year: JH & MC Dalo
– Best Song Of The Year: Natoxie ft. DJ ASAP – Toko Doak
– Best Music Producer Of The Year: G6 Productions
– Best Collab Song Of The Year: Dezral ft. Jardel – The Car
– Best Live Band Of The Year: DYP
– Music Video Of The Year: Shemmy J x Umpa x Ezra D’FunMachine x Arthur Allain x Sedale x Imran Nerdy – Lucian Carnival (Nothing Sweeter Than That)
– Best Photographer Of The Year: Shavs Photo
– Best Videographer Of The Year: Tiz Da Creator
– Best Carnival Band Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
– Best Fete Of The Year: Dzassta
– Best Event Producer Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
– Best Boatride Of The Year: Sounami
– Best Weekly Event Of The Year: Gros Islet Street Party
– Best Instagram Creator Of The Year: Kitania Regis
– Best Comedian Of The Year: Dhirv 2 Funny
– Best Viral Phrase Of The Year: “I Voting For You Boss”
– Best TikTok Creator Of The Year: Soul Peachy
– Best YouTuber Of The Year: Arthur Knotless Strands