It is no secret that Bermuda has a wealth of talent and an abundance of stories to be told through many different mediums. For the past seven years we have honoured and recognised some of these storytellers through the Mary Prince Award (MPA), an annual cash prize given to aspiring creatives that wish to further their growth in a creative field. It was named in honour of a Bermuda African slave girl who won her freedom through documenting her story and fighting for her liberty in court in the UK in 1831. She was selected to be the patron of this Award because she used her talents and story to free herself, a fitting metaphor for recipients of this prestigious Award.

The first annual Mary Prince Award was presented in 2011, to one of Bermuda’s most talented emerging artists, Aden Peets, and one has been awarded annually ever since. In 2017, the Lance Hayward Award for Excellence was introduced. It is presented to a person who has been an enduring presence in the creative field and has also demonstrated an interest and capacity for aiding the next generation in achieving excellence. Lance Hayward was a Bermuda-born, classically-trained pianist and a self-taught jazz musician whose talents were known in Bermuda, New York and Jamaica as he built a legacy that endures to this day. The LHA’s first recipient was composer, pianist, songwriter, teacher and pastor Mr. John Woolridge, who has inspired Bermudian emerging musicians for over 30 years. PRS for Music are this year generously supporting both of these awards.

Historically, these awards have been presented as part of our Annual Anniversary Celebrations in January, but as we focus more on celebrating Bermuda’s rich heritage and recognizing Bermudian icons, a presentation in Heritage Month was more fitting; both these awards are named for iconic people with a lasting influence to Bermuda’s Heritage. The 2018 Mary Prince Awards will take place on Sunday May 20th at The Landfall Restaurant, to recognize both the PRS for Music Mary Prince Award 2018 and the PRS for Music Lance Hayward Award 2018 recipients.

Jackie Church, Head of International Licensing at PRS for Music, said, “PRS for Music are delighted to be supporting The Mary Prince  Awards in 2018. We are proud to be involved in recognising the great creative talents in Bermuda, many of whom are our own members, writing and creating world class music.”

Past recipients of the MPA, include prolific singer and musician Quinn Outerbridge, songwriter and hip-hop artist Makeem ‘Haz’ Bartley, accomplished poet, writer, composer and producer Yesha Townsend, producer and musician, Derek Simmons, Jr.,hip-hop artist and songwriter Jahroy ‘Kidd Clazzic’ Richards. As well as filmmaker Marquedelle Rodriguez and the inaugural recipient Aden Peets who are now both living abroad.

Attendees will enjoy to a traditional Codfish & Potato Brunch, a door prize raffle, feature performances and video messages from some of the talented people who have received the Award. The dynamic musicianship of Miles Manders will also add to the unique voices, varied gifts and positivity that will surely be a part of this inspiring event. This celebration, will uplift people whose work cultivates a distinctly Bermudian story, serves to increase Bermuda’s global awareness, and strengthens local pride and is made possible through the support of  PRS for Music and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Tickets for the Mary Prince Awards Brunch will be available at the door or at www.ptix.bm. Prices are as follows, $30 (General) and $100 (Patron), for more information call  292 2439, email info@chewstick.org.