A TRIO of entertainers of Guyanese heritage performed at the inaugural Legacy Awards in Toronto on September 23.
Deborah Cox, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame last May, joined Melanie Fiona and Keysha Freshh on stage at the live show aired during prime time on CBC and CBC Gem.

Freshh, who started writing music and rapping at age 11, is the daughter of Guyanese journalist Ron Fanfair, and event planner Dessie Fanfair.
Canadian musician and broadcaster Odario Williams, who was born in Guyana and raised in Winnipeg, introduced Freshh, who was the opening act of the 90-minute show.

“Being a part of the inaugural Legacy Awards and sharing the stage with fellow Guyanese legends, Melanie Fiona and Deborah Cox, is a dream come true,” she said. “Being children of the diaspora, I’m confident I can speak for us all, and say we are proud to represent Guyana, and endorse where our roots are from. It’s an honour for me to be part of the first Legacy Awards that will forever be cemented in history.”

The first all-Black awards ceremony celebrated accomplishments in film, television, music, sports and culture, and featured emerging and established Black Canadian talent.
Canadian actors Stephan James and Shamier Anderson created The Legacy Awards held at History, Canada’s newest entertainment venue.

Television personality Kayla Gray, six-time Olympian Andre De Grasse, and award-winning actress, filmmaker and entrepreneur Fabienne Colas were the award winners.
“Andre, Kayla and Fabienne are leaders in their respective fields, and in our community,” said James. “My brother and I are thrilled that The Legacy Awards are recognising their amazing accomplishments.” (Frederick Halley)