5's a charm for YVAs

The Teenage Choice Awards was the first-ever award show geared towards the teen demographic conceptualised in Jamaica. The show provided the only space where teens had the opportunity to celebrate artistes in the entertainment industry.

However, the momentum from the award show was short-lived.

The opportunity has not been lost, though. Teenagers still have a voice as a few months later, the Youth View Award (YVA), under the vision of Karen Clarke of An Elegant Affair, was hosted as an invitation-only event. There has been no turning back since.

On February 4, 2012, the award show will be staged for the fifth time. Interestingly, the YVA has managed to improve on three occasions prior. Last year, in the eyes of YVA fanatics, the show had its best outing yet. February 12 promises more.

At Wednesday's launch at the Terra Nova Hotel, Clarke told The Gleaner what could be expected.

"This year, things will be even bigger and better with even more support, and we will be unveiling a few new things such as our new specially designed award, the new hosts, two new award categories, and for all the fashionistas, our debut of the 360 degrees glam cam on the red carpet," she explained.

There will be a precursor to the February 4 main event, and according to Clark, it will be "fantastic".

She further stated that the turnout and support at the pre-party at TGIF was a positive indication of how well the fifth anniversary staging will do. Many would-be patrons have been making much of the absence of the customary international act at this year's show.

"This award show is really about our local artistes and celebs. We don't want them to lose their shine each and every year with an international act. It's their show, so I want the hype to be around them, so this year I didn't really approach an international act," Clarke explained.

international flavour

That isn't to say there won't be an international flavour to the event. Clarke is still considering whether to include the talents of dance extraordinaire Comfort Fedoke, season four seventh-place finalist of 'So You Think You Can Dance', to choreograph a special YVA routine.

Choosing the new hosts for this year's show was not a difficult task for Clarke.

Kruddy has done a good job as 'On the Verge' host. Teenagers have fallen in love with him and he has been with the YVAs since inception, winning the YVA red carpet challenge in 2008. Tami Chynn, on the other hand, is young, talented, and has been nominated for a Youth View Award on more than one occasion.

The poolside at The Terra Nova Pavilion was abuzz when industry insiders, artistes, sponsors, media, nominees, and specially invited guests gathered for the announcement of the nominees and of the categories.

The YVAs have made it to five years, its first milestone, and Clarke is proud.

"It's a blessing. I know that I say that a lot, but to be doing anything for five years in this industry, with this economy, is nothing but a blessing," said Clarke.

Youth View Awards categories

Celebrity Role Model

Favourite Group Collaboration

Favourite Sound System

Favourite Local Music Video

Favourite Media Personality

Favourite Cultural Artiste

Chart-topping Song of The Year

Favourite Gospel Artiste

Favourite Music Producer

Favourite Video Director

Favourite Male Artiste In Dancehall

Favourite Female Artiste In Dancehall

Favourite Local International Artiste

Favourite Female Artiste of The Year

Favourite Female Dancer

Favourite Male Dancer

Favourite Dance Crew

Breakout Celebrity of The Year (new category)

Young Hot And Hype Female of The Year

Favourite Summer Song (new category)

Young Hot And Hype Male of The Year

Best Entertainment Show

Favourite Local Music Video

Favourite Cultural Artiste

Fashion Icon Male

Fashion Icon Female

Favourite Selector (DJ)