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Antigua and Barbuda Global Music and Media Awards to Host First Ever Island Groove Awards

22 March 2025
This content originally appeared on Antigua News Room.
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The Island Groove Awards: Celebrating Antigua’s Finest in Music, Media, and Entertainment 

Brought to you by the Antigua and Barbuda Global Music and Media Awards (ABGMA) 

The Island Groove Awards is set to take place on April 10th of this year to celebrate the best in music and media from across the nation. While the event will recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Antigua’s top musicians, entertainers and media personnel, it will also shine a well-deserved spotlight on emerging local talent, giving them the stage they deserve. This year’s show promises to be an exciting celebration of both established and up-and-coming artists. 

Among the performers for this year’s awards ceremony are four incredibly talented artists who are steadily making their mark on the local music scene. Their passion, drive, and hard work are pushing the boundaries of music in Antigua, and the Island Groove Awards is proud to feature their live performances: 

A rising star in Antigua’s Soca music scene, T’Mira Mourillon, also known as Buttaz, is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Old Road, T’Mira’s journey into music began humbly, singing at karaoke sessions before finding the courage to take a bold step into Soca with the support of her mentor, Dennis Menace Xl Roberts. Her 2024 hit song Waste Man was a powerful anthem for women’s empowerment, and her 2025 collaboration Leave Me Alone and single Nuh Yah Place continue to showcase her growing talents. Buttaz is inspired by the resilience and passion of artists like Dennis Menace Xl Roberts and Claudette CP Peters, and she is determined to break through with more unforgettable hits. She hopes to reach the finals of Party Monarch 2025 and expand her music career further in the coming years. 

Christian Ivy is an artist who refuses to be confined by genre labels. His music is a soulful fusion of jazz, R&B, and modern influences, and his creativity knows no bounds. Known for his smooth sound and lyrical depth, Christian Ivy draws inspiration from icons like Prince, Sade, and Frank Ocean, blending these influences to create a sound uniquely his own. Hailing from Antigua, Ivy’s dedication to music is unwavering. Despite juggling a regular job, his ultimate goal is to focus solely on his music and continue to break barriers in the local scene. His family’s support has been integral to his journey, and he’s optimistic about the future of Antigua’s music industry. Christian’s live performance promises to be a soulful and captivating experience. 

Jocelyn Beldman-Stevens, a highly respected figure in Antigua’s music scene, leads The Rift, a dynamic band that brings together a mix of traditional Caribbean sounds and contemporary influences. Featuring a versatile ensemble with steel pan, drums, bass, and keys, The Rift has wowed audiences across Antigua with their unique sound and high-energy performances.

Known for her mentorship of young musicians at Bell’s Studio, Jocelyn is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Antiguan talent. The Rift’s performance at the Island Groove Awards will be an unforgettable celebration of Antigua’s musical heritage with a modern twist. 

Born Christopher Howell in Kingston, Jamaica, and now based in Antigua, YoungLuiy is a multifaceted artist with an impressive musical journey. From his roots in hip-hop and R&B to his collaborations with major artists like Sean Kingston and Hink45, YoungLuiy has made waves in the Caribbean music scene. His 2023 single Show You, featuring Sean Kingston, has received widespread acclaim, and his distinct blend of Caribbean-infused hip-hop and R&B continues to captivate listeners. YoungLuiy remains committed to pursuing his passion for music despite outside pressures to conform to dancehall or reggae, and his performance at the Island Groove Awards promises to bring something fresh and exciting to the stage. 

These emerging talents represent the future of Antigua’s music industry, and the Island Groove Awards is honored to provide them with a platform to showcase their incredible artistry. 

About the Island Groove Awards 

This exciting event is set to honor the best and brightest across 18 different categories—celebrating both well-established figures and emerging talents in music, media, and entertainment. It is the first of its kind in Antigua and promises a night of recognition, celebration, and spectacular performances. 

The award show is set to take place on April 10th, 2025, at the UWI Open Campus, Queen Elizabeth Highway. The night will be hosted by Menace and Nazzio, promising an exciting and engaging experience for all attendees. The show will have (4) segments: 

Red Carpet Event: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

● Pre-Show 7:00 PM – 7:40 PM 

Awards Show: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM 

● After Party: 11:00 PM – 11:30 PM 

Tickets are only 40 EC for group purchases, 55 EC for general admission and 135 EC for V.I.P purchases. To purchase tickets, visit: 

Island Groove Awards Tickets or call 268-722-2576

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