Saturday night was replete with celebration, honors and even tears of joy at the 2020 Legend Awards.
The virtual ceremony was presented by the student-run company 7233 Roots. The event began with a preview of the nominees listed in the 10 categories with music from the label H.O.M.E.
Chretien Adams and Tamieyah Johnson, the hosts who attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, greeted the audience and gave thanks to the artists for their talent.
“Being a creator is a gift. The ability to produce art is a privilege. Every rift and run, every lyric, every beat, tells an unshakeable truth. A story only you can tell, and for that, you should be celebrating,” Johnson said. “To all the nominees, thank you for your art and for your endless dedication. Thank you for your life. To the listeners, supporters, friends and family, thank you for the streams, the reposts, the kind words of encouragement. We wouldn’t be here tonight without you.”
Before the hosts announced the awards, they showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and Johnson sang the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem about liberation and declaration for African-Americans.
“As business owners, artists, students, believers, and people of color, we are not ignorant to the senseless tragedies occurring around the world today,” Adams said. “There are measurable amounts of pain, grief, anger, and sorrow to our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives at the hands of those who deliberately devalue us, oppress us, ignore us, and we’re tired. Our people are tired.
“We want change and justice. Change is not required. To all of those affected, know that our hearts, prayers, condolences, and anything else we can possibly give physically are with you,” Adams added.
As the awards show continued, the audience members showed their support for the nominees and the production by leaving positive comments on the live show. With around 60 people attending, the audience was tuned in with music and live performances from Tallahassee artists.
In between the announcing of the winners, there were live performances and music by Ruby Black, Pastor Darius Washington, Kyriq and many more as they all sang or rapped different songs that connect with African-American culture.
The winners for the awards were:
Ciamara Child’s “Play” for song of the year
Elias and Erika for best performance
Alex Williams for best new artist
Ty Huncho for producer of the year
Robert “OC Bobby” Eason for instrumentalist of the year
Kimani Jackson for best vocalist
Kyriq for best rapper
Jhori Ahnae for best alumni artist
Jelani Malek for best male artist
and Ciamara for best female artist.
FAMU music industry student Ciamara Smith won three awards, including the Legend Award, which was handpicked by Adams, the co-founder of 7233 Roots. Smith was in tears when she gave a few words of thanks for her wins.
“Thank you so much for not only voting for me, but song of the year and female artist, but thank you for picking me for this award,” Smith said.
The two hosts also awarded a professor, Darryl Tookes, with the Legend Distinction Award for not only giving his knowledge to his students but also giving his heart and encouraging them to a path of success.
Other winners showed appreciation for winning their awards by leaving a comment on the live awards show thanking those who helped them achieve this award.
The awards show concluded with the two hosts and the three-time award winner side-by-side, giving thanks to all those who attended and saying their memorable slogan: “stay rooted.”
The awards show is still available on the Instagram page until 7:23 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or updates, check the Instagram page @7233roots.