Some of Guyana’s local talents were honoured, recognised and awarded at the first Linden Music Awards which was staged last weekend at the Watooka Guesthouse, Mackenzie Linden. The event which is set to be an annual event was live streamed in keeping with COVID-19 protocols.

The event was hosted by Secretary of the Region 10 Tourism Committee, Adrian Boston, and Television personality Kady Sears.
In attendance were Linden’s Mayor, Waneka Arrindell; Parliamentarians, Jermaine Figueria and Nema Flu Best along with other regional officials.
The event awarded many of the town’s best musical talent. The Best New Artiste of the Year was Mafi and the Music Producer of the Year went to Code Red Records, while the following other categories were also recognised:

Contemporary Artiste of the Year – Diana Chapman; Soca Artiste of the Year – Brandon; Rukatooks Artiste of the Year – Gucci Boss; Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Davy Marley; Linden Music Ambassador Award 2019-2020 – Ralston Richmond; Reggae Artiste of the Year -Best; True Patriot Award – Static; Calypsonian of the Year – De Professor; People’s Choice Award – Mafi; Songwriter of the Year – GT Youths; Best Live Contemporary Band – Cannon Ball.

In addition, the Best Live Gospel Band went to the Redeemers Band, while the following were also recognised:
Best Female Gospel Artiste – Rene Winter; Best Male Gospel Artiste – Double G; Denis Parkinsoin Lifetime Achievement Award – Jeffrey Jackson; Music Video Director of the Year – Director DEX;

Best Cover Remix – Deon Anderson; Best Music Video of the Year – Miracle; Dancehall DJ of the Year – DJ Badboyz; Radio DJ of the Year – DJ Fearless; Children Band/Steel Orchestra Award – Linden Drum Core; Musician of the Year – Pastor McDonald; Collaboration of the Year – Davy featuring Mafi while the R&B/Hip Hop award went to Lashawn Banz.
Giving closing remarks at the event, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Region 10 Tourism Committee, Devin Sears stated that the event will be an annual activity to honour the town’s most talented.

“Tonight, Linden has made history once again, with the introduction of the annual Linden Music Awards,” he said.
He added that during this time while Guyana and the rest of the world are battling a global pandemic, artistes have somewhat been able to keep the nerves and panic of the effects of the pandemic at bay.

He urged artistes to continue to work on their craft, use social media as a platform to promote themselves and posited that next year will be a great year for Linden and Guyanese Music.
Additionally, Sears added that the Linden billboard will be introduced and as a bonus for each award, $100,000 will be given in the coming year.
“If you think 2020 was great, wait until 2021,” Sears gushed.