Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius
The Antigua Barbuda Global Music and Media Awards (ABGMA) are set to expand beyond their traditional home in a bold move that could reshape the Caribbean’s cultural landscape.
Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius spearheaded this initiative, which aims to spotlight the underappreciated talent of local artists across the region.
For over ten years, Cornelius has passionately worked to elevate the contributions of artists in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond, fueled by her conviction that these creatives deserve the same recognition as their international counterparts.
“I noticed that we celebrate a certain set of artists while many local talents go unnoticed. I wanted our community to appreciate their hard work and creativity,” she stated.
The ABGMA originated as a gospel music awards ceremony in 2014 but has since evolved into a comprehensive event honoring a diverse range of artistic expressions.
Now featuring three major award categories— the Antigua Barbuda Gospel Music Awards, the Legacy Ball & Media Awards, and the newly launched Island Groove Awards— the event recognizes achievements in over 80 categories, bridging gaps between artists from various backgrounds.
Apostle Cornelius envisions the ABGMA not just as an awards show but as a platform for unity among Caribbean nations. “I wanted to bring nations together, and while there have been challenges, I’ve strived to connect with communities across Africa, England, and the US,” she shared. She dreams of rotating the event among different Caribbean countries, allowing more artists to experience the recognition they deserve.
A significant addition to the initiative is the establishment of the ABGMA Academy, which invites individuals from creative fields to become Voting Members. This move empowers local residents to actively participate in the nomination process, ensuring that the awards are a true reflection of the artistic community at large.
The selection process for finalists has been designed to be transparent and inclusive.
A dedicated committee from the ABGMA reviews nominations submitted by community members, creating a comprehensive list of deserving candidates.
This list is then narrowed down through a thorough review process before the community votes on their favorites. The voting phase, lasting several weeks, allows ample participation, and the final winners are determined by the community’s consensus.
As the next awards ceremony approaches in 2026, the ABGMA continues to stand as a beacon of hope and recognition for artists throughout the Caribbean, celebrating their talents and fostering collaboration within the vibrant artistic landscape.
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