By: Sandy McInnis
The 2011 National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) Annual Communications Award Dinner was recently held in Washington DC at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The event was hosted by ‘The View’ co-host Sherri Shepherd. The honorees for this years dinner were The Mighty Sparrow , Dr. Bobby Jones, Soledad OBrien and Buddy Guy.
You know the RCS Team couldn’t miss this event! This was a star studded bashment that included performances by Regina Belle, Chrisette Michelle and RCS favorite Fantasia!! In attendance were Bajan descendant US Attorney General Eric Holder, NYC Caribbean Fever DJ/Radio Personality Dahved (Rocking You) Levy (also from Barbados), Real Housewife of DC Stacie Scott Turner, celebrity stylist and supporting cast member of the Real Housewives of DC, Paul Wharton and the list goes on!!!!
SherrI Sherpherd was funny, insightful and articulate. She wore a gorgeous brown and black knee length dress and was all aglow. As you may already know, she is engaged to be married to her fianc TV writer Lamar Sally. Ironically, she had one small faux pas when she announced Dahved Levy (pronounced Lee vee) Le Vee. All the Caribbeans in the building just smiled and let it slideSherri can do no wrong.
The Might Sparrow was one of the honorees that made all Caribbeans proud that night. He received the Pioneer in Caribbean Music Award. It is very rare to have a person of Caribbean descent honored at such an auspicious event where White House Officials, dignitaries and celebrities were there to bear witness and take note of the all of Mighty Sparrow’s many accomplishments down through the years. This artist par excellence has earned his rightful place as King of the Calypso World. The Grenadan born, Trinidad raised entertainer has performed for audiences all over the globe.
Due to health issues he was not medically cleared to fly and be in attendance, however he was in Trinidad for Carnivalhuh? Thats what I said! Id like to know who his medical doctor is. Maybe a Carnivalologist? Dr. Wokitup? Who knows, however he gave remarks via a video presentation. NYC Caribbean Fever DJ/Radio Personality Dahved Levy presented and received the award on his behalfhow befitting!!! Levy talked about how inspired he was by The Mighty Sparrow and always admired his work.
Gospel Music Icon Dr. Bobby Jones received the Pioneer In Gospel Music Award. When talking with him I discovered he is the Ambassador of the island of Dominica where he uses his celebrity to increase tourism and encourage potential investors and financiers to explore investment opportunities in Dominica.
Soledad OBrien received the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award. She is known for her critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries In America. I got a chance to interview her which will air on Lyme Tyme with Red Carpet Shelley.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy who is 74 years young was very elated and vibrant as he received the Pioneer in Music Award.
Regina Belle, Chrisette Michele and Fantasia were the performers of the night. Regina sang like a bird and gave a nostalgic vibe. Chrisette Michele sang soft and strong. Shes has an awesome range and looked fabulous. And Fantasia.what can I say. The girl is buck wild and I love it! She came on the stage and meant business. As always she kicked off her 5 inch stilettos and got to singing. She came off the stage onto the floor and serenaded all of the guests sitting at their table. Shes no holds barr.
Congratulations to all the honorees.
