All express appreciation for the gesture
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOUR of the Federation’s popular artistes were commended for their body of work and for their positive influence on the nation’s youth.
Gospel artiste Pepper Ranks, as well as DJ Rinch, Footsy and Nicha B, were presented with trophy awards late last week following entertaining performances at the first-ever Sugar Mas’ 40/40 Youth Rally.
Though performing before a small crowd, the four did not disappoint their fans. Nicha B and Footsey were particularly entertaining, performing a number of popular tunes including Cry from the Ghetto and Nicha’s Sugar Mas’ 40/40 tune “Bounce and Skank”. Pepper Ranks belted out his popular tracks, Silent No More and Never Like That, among others.
Following their performances, each artiste was presented with their award and in speaking with SKNVibes, they expressed their appreciation of the Committee’s gesture.
“I feel very appreciated and I am happy to know that people accept and like my music. It is not easy in this industry and I do my best. Thanks to all my fans for their support over the years and just keep the vibes flowing and I will keep the music coming,” DJ Rinch expressed.
Footsy verbalized to this publication that, “It is good especially since this is my first achievement in the music industry. To see that I got an award and to know that people appreciate my music, it really means a lot to me. Thanks to all my fans for their recognition.”
Initially at a loss for words, Nicha B gathered his thoughts and indicated: “I feel appreciated. I want to thank all my fans who have been there for us in the music industry throughout the year. And thanks to the committee for recognising us and our contribution.”
“I have been singing for over 18 years and as a local artiste, I got many monetary gifts. But this is the first time I have had the privilege of being awarded. It was unprecedented and the most memorable thing to happen in my country. It is an overwhelming feeling… I would like to thank those who made it possible and to God who gave me this gift,” Pepper Ranks elucidated to this publication.
The rally was held under the theme “Uplifting Youths” and according to a member of the Youth Rally Committee, Jade Johnson, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase local talent while honouring those who have provided positive influences for the nation’s youth.
“Seeing that it was a youth rally, we wanted to show that youth also can do great things, because most of the artistes were youths. Nicha was a youth and Footsy was a youth. DJ Rinch and Pepper Ranks are involved with youths, doing concerts and fundraisers for youths.
So we wanted to honour them because I don’t think anyone in St. Kitts has honoured them before. We wanted to show them that they are doing good things and that we appreciate what they are doing. We honoured them by giving them each a trophy. As far as I can see, the local artistes have a positive impact. When you got the schools and tell the children Nicha is performing, they get all excited; they want to see them and they know all of their songs, if not all. So when they talk, people listen.”
In light of the immense impact which the artistes have on the youth, Johnson encouraged them to always push out uplifting and motivating messages.
“Make sure when you sing, you sing send a positive message…sing about things that would make the youths want to be better people. Show them that as young people, they can be whatever they want to be, and encourage them to go to school and take their education seriously.”
