TRINIDAD EXPRESS - By Sateesh Maharaj - Karma and Hemlata Dindial scored big at the tenth 103FM Hall of Fame and Music Awards Ceremony at Queen's Hall, St Ann's in a night that paid tribute to the best in local Indian culture and heritage.
Musical powerhouse Karma lifted the titles for Best Produced CD by a Local Band and Album of the Year for Karmageddon, whilst Ravi B bested the rest in the groups, Best Chutney Soca Collaboration (Jep Sting Remix featuring Hunter, Ravi B and Kees), Best Music Video (Dularie Tanty produced by Peter C Lewis, Synergy TV), Courts 'Trini Hit' Most Popular Local Song (Dularie Tanty) and bmobile's People's Choice (Dularie Tanty).
A visibly overwhelmed Dindial earned the coveted Song of the Year award for Kaan "Payra". Dindial was also named Best Female Chutney Artiste and her tune also topped the category of Best Musical Arranger (Original Song).
Kenneth Salick's "Radica", won the awards for Best Lyricist and Best Chutney Soca Song.
The night also saw eight individuals and groups being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Video presentations on each inductee preceded the segment. This year the list included Sam Boodram (classical singing), Sandra Sookdeo (dance), Emanuel Doon, (folk art expressions), Doon Ramsundar (instrumentalist), the Naya Tarana Orchestra (orchestration), the Boodoosingh Tassa Group (tassa) and the Cedar Hill Youth Social and Cultural Organisation (folk expressions—Ramleela). Special Family Recognition was given to the Jeewan Singh Family for their promotion of Indian culture. Special Recognition Awards were bestowed upon Justice Ralph Narine, Southex chief executive officer, George Singh and chief executive officer, Balroop's Sound Systems Limited, Vishnu Balroop.
Performances throughout the night were done not by the artistes themselves but rising stars such as Hall of Fame inductee Doon Ramsundar, Satnarine Ragoo and young talents Sangeeta Subnaik, Pranava Maharaj and Avinash Maharaj. Entertainers were backed by the Nirvana Dancers. Music was provided by JMC 3Veni.
The event was broadcast live on television and was attended by President George Maxwell Richards, Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards and Arts and Multiculturalism Minister, Winston Peters.
In opening the night's activities, 103FM Chairman Reyaz Ahamad said the event had come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2000 when it was first held at Centre Point Mall in Chaguanas. Then there were six inductees. He said that since then, 100 names have been inducted into the 103 Hall of Fame. The aim, he said, has always been the same: to recognise the efforts of those who develop, perpetuate and preserve East Indian culture.
He said the show has given hope to cultural figures for their hard work over the years that has not been recognised or appreciated. He added that to the artistes, it represents the reward for their toil.
"Many look at these awards as a mark of appreciation of their art. They also strive more diligently because of it since such recognition provides a benchmark for further endeavours. In a wider cultural sphere, this ceremony serves to draw attention to the culture produced by the Indian diaspora. It has helped to define and develop the growing East Indian music industry.
