15 Trinidad and Tobago artistes to get nominations for African Entertainment Awards USA

FIFTEEN Trinidad and Tobago entertainers will be in the global spotlight this weekend, as they secure nomination for the 2024 African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA).

AEAUSA ambassador ii-Kaya Ises is in Trinidad to reveal this year’s local nominees in the categories of comedy, music, fashion, and social influence. The announcement will take place during the second annual Ignite the Stage promotional showcase, on August 17, at The Bungalow, Rust Street, Port of Spain.

Founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Dominic Tamin, AEAUSA is an annual awards ceremony that honours the achievements and contributions of African artists, entertainers, and professionals in the entertainment industry across Africa and the African diaspora, a media release said.

The tenth edition of the awards will be held on November 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Newark Airport, New Jersey, USA. Tamin is expected to be in TT for the release of the local nominees selected.

TT-born model Ises said the August 17 event, held on the birthday of civil rights activist Marcus Garvey, will feature performances from emerging TT artists, including Sharifa Selman, Kid Volt, and Juniah Lifa, as well as popular acts Raskality and Fyah Princess Jalifa.

These performers will be vying for a chance to follow in the footsteps of previous AEAUSA winners Trinibad artiste and producer KG (Khalif Greaves) and calypsonian Banjela. The public is invited to attend, and the dress code is Afrocentric, the release said.

“We had such a fantastic time last year, showcasing a mix of veterans and established artists at Ignite the Stage. This year, we’re introducing many new faces who have been quietly building their followings and brands. It’s a new day, a new wave, and we’re making space for fresh talent,” Ises said in the release.

Ises expressed gratitude to all the local artists who have supported AEAUSA's mission to recognise the creative works of African peoples globally. Performers will also include Banjela and veteran calypsonian Lady Adanna.

The evening will also feature performances by DJ Quinn, DJ Kadeem Suave, and DJ Starboy Johnny. The event will be emceed by Champion and Delicia "Dime" Patterson, with Fadda Kern serving as the red-carpet correspondent.

“It’s been hard work, but also immensely rewarding – 2024 marks a decade since we embarked on this mission to spotlight the creative works of African people across the continent and the diaspora. Trinidad and Tobago, this is your moment–come out, celebrate, and experience another dimension of our culture at Ignite the Stage,” Ises said.

AEAUSA thanked all its sponsors, including Cooyah Clothing and Carib, and everyone involved in the August 17 production.