The Better of Jamaica Awards has lengthy been a celebration of Jamaican expertise, creativity, and cultural excellence. In its twenty fifth yr, the 2024 awards launched two thrilling social classes: Judges’ Choose and Advantage Award. These new classes highlight the highest achievers in media, leisure, and sports activities, recognising people whose distinctive contributions have made a long-lasting impression on Jamaican communities regionally and globally.
Listed below are the distinguished honourees for this yr’s new social classes:
Judges’ Choose Awardees
The Judges’ Choose class celebrates people chosen by our esteemed panel of judges for his or her distinctive contributions of their respective fields. From social media influencers to sports activities icons, these honourees embody excellence, creativity, and the colourful spirit of Jamaican tradition. Listed below are this yr’s standout Judges’ Choose awardees:
Greatest Social Media Character: Juliet “Julie Mango” Bodley
Juliet Bodley, affectionately often known as “Julie Mango,” is a celebrated Jamaican comic and social media persona. Famend for her humorous skits that vividly depict Jamaican tradition, she has garnered a considerable following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Past leisure, Bodley is a devoted psychological well being advocate, brazenly sharing her private journey to encourage and assist others.
Greatest Sportsman/Girl: Rojé Stona
Rojé Stona made historical past on the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing Jamaica’s first gold medal in a discipline occasion. His outstanding discus throw of 70.00 metres not solely earned him the highest podium spot but in addition set a brand new Olympic document, marking a major milestone in Jamaican athletics.
Greatest Reggae Tune: Mortimer – “Not a Day Goes By”
Mortimer‘s soulful monitor, “Not a Day Goes By,” has captivated audiences worldwide with its heartfelt lyrics and clean melodies. The track showcases his distinctive vocal expertise and has solidified his place within the reggae music scene.
Greatest Media Character : Cherney Amhara
Born in St. Andrew Parish, Jamaica, Cherney Amhara has made vital strides in journalism. As a information anchor and reporter, she is recognised for her compelling storytelling and dedication to delivering impactful information
Greatest Style Icon : Hope Blake Wade
Hope Blake Wade is well known for her progressive contributions to vogue and schooling. Co-author of The Wild Card and co-founder of the Get Your Train On convention, she blends fashion with substance, inspiring many within the instructional sector.
Advantage Award Honourees
The Advantage Award recognises people who’ve achieved outstanding success and demonstrated excellent service of their fields. From trailblazing media personalities to influential figures in vogue and sports activities, these honourees exemplify the dedication and excellence that proceed to raise Jamaican tradition on the world stage. Listed below are this yr’s distinctive Advantage Award recipients:
Greatest Social Media Character: Basillia Barnaby-Cuff
Basillia Barnaby-Cuff is a dynamic media skilled, serving as a radio and tv presenter, occasion host, and content material creator. She is the founder and director of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, Jamaica’s premier nationwide gospel awards occasion. In 2023, she expanded her repertoire by authoring The Adventures in Mannershill Valley, a kids’s e-book that creatively teaches the significance of excellent manners.
Greatest Sportsman/Girl: Kishane Thompson
Kishane Thompson has emerged as a number one determine in athletics, significantly within the 100m dash. His spectacular performances, together with a world-leading time of 9.77 seconds on the Jamaican Olympic Trials, have positioned him as a formidable competitor on the worldwide stage.
Greatest Reggae Tune: Busy Sign – “Blissful Birthday”
Busy Sign’s “Blissful Birthday” has change into a celebratory anthem, showcasing his versatility and talent to attach with audiences by relatable themes and catchy rhythms.
Greatest Reggae Act : Masicka
Masicka has solidified his standing within the reggae and dancehall scenes along with his lyrical prowess and dynamic performances. His contributions proceed to affect and form the style’s evolution.
Greatest Media Character: Steve “Sir Rockwell” Warner
Steve “Sir Rockwell” Warner is a distinguished radio persona identified for his deep data of reggae music and fascinating broadcasting fashion. His dedication has considerably promoted Jamaican music and tradition.
Greatest Style Icon: Joel Nomdarkham
Joel Nomkarham is recognised for his distinctive vogue sense and affect inside the trade. His progressive designs and magnificence have made vital contributions to modern vogue.
As we have a good time 25 years of the Better of Jamaica Awards, these honourees remind us of the outstanding expertise and indomitable spirit of Jamaicans each at dwelling and overseas. Every of those people embodies excellence of their craft, pushing boundaries and galvanizing future generations.
Congratulations to all of the winners—you’re a testomony to the greatness of Jamaica. Right here’s to many extra years of celebrating our personal!
