The Youth View Awards (YVAs), for the ninth instalment, will see a few additions that will make for an improved programme this year. The changes were announced at the launch held at The Pavillion, Terra Nova All-Suite hotel in Kingston last Thursday evening.

Among the additions are four new categories of awards: Favourite Vintage Artiste (Old Hits); Favourite Social Media Personality; Favourite Radio DJ; and Favourite Dance Move.

YVAs conceptualiser, Karen Clarke, explained that the Favourite Radio DJ category was added because the team noticed that there was a difference between radio DJs and party DJs. Before now, there was only one category for disc jocks. The inaugural nominees for this category are: ZJ Chrome, Bambino, ZJ Liquid, DJ Nicco, DJ Rush, and DJ Sunshine. Meanwhile, Khloe Clarke, leader of the hype crew noted that it was important to honour the older artistes who have set the foundation for the current music industry, hence, the Favourite Vintage Artiste Category. The inaugural nominees are: Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, Freddie McGregor, and Beenie Man. The nominees for Favourite Social Media Personality are: Prince Pine, Trabass, Prince Marni, Bella Blair, and Quite Perry – host of

Quite Viral with teenAGE Observer. The Favourite Dance Move nominations are:

Aji Bounce (by Aji);

Gas (by Ding Dong);

Hot Up (by Lattie Di Diva);

Lowe Mi (by Ravers Clavers); and

Watchi Wiya (by Chi Ching Ching & HardFiDealWid). See related article with the complete list of nominees.

This year’s award ceremony, to be held on February 20th, will also see a new host. Vlogger and nominee, Bella Blair will be joining DJ Bambino to bring the energy and fun in hosting the show.

International recording artiste, Pia Mia will be the special guest performer, alongside some of our best local acts.

There are also new sponsors: Lasco iCool and JPS. JPS’ brand manager, Tishan Lee, announced that the energy company will be off-setting the electricity cost, powering the event for free on the night. They will also be running an interactive energy conservation competition on social media. The winner will receive a VIP experience along with five friends. You also stand the chance of winning a VIP experience from Flow as well as free tickets from KFC, among other prizes from other sponsors.

The YVAs will be broadcast live on TVJ, and the Jamaica Observer, through FYAH 105 will also provide coverage.

These additions are sure to make this year’s staging of the YVAs one to remember.