Reggae artiste Maroon Queen, aka Black Queen is feeling inspired that women were recognised for their contribution to music during the Queens Of Reggae Island Honorary Ceremonies (QORIHC) last weekend.

“I was so inspired by the display of raw feminine power at QORIHC. There were a lot of powerful women there with powerful stories whose contribution to the entertainment industry was finally and fittingly acknowledged. Kudos to the conceptualiser, Laurell Nurse, it was a very inspirational and touching event,” she said.

The QORIHC show took place at Courtleigh Auditorium in St Andrew, last Sunday, to recognise the classes of 2022 and 2023.

Twenty-four women (including the duo Brick & Lace) who have served their fields for over 10 years were recognised for achievements in entertainment, media, and academia.

Maroon Queen performed at the event doing songs such as You Say, Black and Proud and her latest hit, I Still Love You. She believes the show is an important event on the entertainment landscape.

“It was a monumental night for women in entertainment because the music industry has never treated them kindly. This is important for paving the way forward for the young girls coming up for their voices or their music to be heard. So this gives me more strength to continue my work of raising black awareness and consciousness,” Maroon Queen said.

Pamputtae also performed at the event.

The awardees were: Althea Laing (model, lifestyle coach); Pebbles (fashion designer); Jenny Jenny (media personality); Lorna Wainwright (former Tuff Gong/artiste manager); Debbie Bissoon (media personality); Andreen Rose-Cephas (celebrity hairstylist/entrepreneur); Susan Simes (host – The Susan Show); Pamputtae (dancehall artiste); Yasmine Peru (entertainment journalist); Sharon Schroeter (TV producer); Neahlis (celebrity hairstylist); Tifa (dancehall artiste); Monica Jackson (artiste manager); Terminal 4 Media (music video producer); Sophia Jones (fashion designer/maker); Yumika Gabe (DJ/sound system selector); Gem Myers (singer); Donna P Hope (editor, professor of dancehall culture); Sher Luxury Doll (dancer, entrepreneur); Mitzie Williams (media personality); Yendi Phillipps (public figure); Brick & Lace (pop artistes/songwriters).

The inaugural QORIHC event was staged in 2016.