With frequent calls for Jamaicans to establish and nurture an award ceremony built by Jamaicans for Jamaicans, Michael Dawson, the CEO of Whirlwind Entertainment, which manages the Market Place Entertainment Centre for the Arts (MECA), sought to start the MECA Awards back in August.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting some parts of the entertainment industries locally and internationally, a decision was made to host the awards in December.

Dawson told OBSERVER ONLINE that with the Holiday season now at its peak, the December 28 date was the perfect time to host the inaugural awards ceremony, one he hoped will thrust focus back on “all things Jamaican.”

“Our Awards show will focus on the celebration of the Arts. So it will include music, theatre, comedy, dance, and a few unique categories like Male and Female Influencer of the Year,” he said.

“Our supporters at MECA include some of these same individuals and so we just want to honour our own in a way we see fit. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m happy it’s finally coming to fruition.”

Voting for next Wednesday’s awards was opened earlier this month, and according to Dawson, votes have been streaming in by the thousands.

“Evidenced by the activity seen on social media, the awards have quickly secured a buzz with stars encouraging fans to vote or excitedly posting their nomination for all to see. With the Awards relying 100 per cent on fan votes, the numbers are already very promising,” he said. “People even cussing us, asking why they were not nominated saying that they deserve the Award for their category. We had quickly explained that it’s the fan base that nominates and votes: but we are also pleased that people are valuing it.”

“Due to the many votes coming in the team is considering extending the voting period beyond the Christmas Eve midnight cut-off point,” he said.

With categories ranging from Best Cosmetologist, Best Entertainment Food Spot and Best Entertainment TV show to the more traditional categories such as Artistes of the Year, Dancer of the Year and Breakout Celebrity, Dawson said the awards show is something to look forward to before the year ends.

He also revealed plans to honour Bounty Killer and Beenie Man with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Recently deceased social media influencer, Aneka ‘Slickianna’ Townsend, who was nominated for Female Influencer of the Year, will also be given special recognition.