The inaugural staging of the Ruggu Dat Golden Mic Awards was so well received that already the organisers are in planning mode for next year’s event, which they pledge will be “bigger and better”.
Christopher Brown, CEO of Rugu Promotions, shared with The Gleaner some of his plans.
“We have more in store for the Ruggu Dat brand worldwide,” an enthusiastic Brown said. “We are actually now working on a tour for the series, starting in the United States. We already have Sunday, April 27, earmarked for next year’s Golden Mic Awards in Jamaica.”
For next year’s staging, Brown and his team have decided to include a public voting component. For the first awards, the recipient was decided on by votes from members of the Rugu committee.
“We want the average Jamaican to be involved in selecting the recipient, as well as the carefully selected committee. We will be giving the public a few finalist options, and they will be able to submit their votes via text message, with prizes given to a select few voters. It’s our way of making all Jamaicans a part of Rugu Dat, because this is a Jamaican award with an international standard,” Janice Young, public relations manager for Rugu Promotions, added
The Rugu Promotions brand is also looking at investing in more events and products in Jamaica, and should be officially launching a product from the Ruggu Dat line later this year.
This year’s event saw the Original King of Dancehall, Yellowman, handing over the first-ever 14-carat Golden Mic to comedic dancehall sensation Professor Nuts at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre recently.
While presenting the mic to Professor Nuts on behalf of the committee, Yellowman echoed the sentiments of the industry when he told him that the award was well deserved, and added that he is looking forward to receiving the same kind of recognition soon.
The Rugu Dat Golden Mic Award was hosted by Yanique Curvy Diva and Chris ‘Johnny’ Daley, with stellar performances from Professor Nuts, Lady G and Agent Sasco.