D'Angel was happy about her nomination. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

Last Friday evening, all roads led to the Devonshire on the Devon House grounds for the launch of the second annual Gleaner-sponsored Youth View Awards (YVA). With MC for the evening and mastermind behind the YVA's Karen Clarke and Sanjay from Coppershot mixing the turntables, the evening was nothing but pure fun.

The launch began at 8:00 p.m. in a pastel-lighted room filled with nominees and famous faces from Jamaica's corporate and entertainment industries. Those present included The Gleaner's deputy Managing director Christopher Barnes and marketing representative Terry McNeil

When The STAR spoke with Mystic, a nominee for favourite female dancer, she was understandably overwhelmed.

Style icon

"Last year when I watched the show, I wanted so badly to be on the stage dancing, but I had to settle for being in the crowd. When I heard I was nominated, the first person I called was my daddy because he knew I had worked hard and had a feeling I would, so it's just a really great feeling," she said.

D'Angel, last year's 'Style icon' awardee was equally thrilled with her nomination. "Just the fact that I'm nominated shows that the youth appreciate my work so I'm really thankful to them," she said.

Goddy Goddy was present to receive his nomination for the Youth View Awards. - Peta-Gaye Clachar

Gospel minister Goddy Goddy was also elated about his nomination. "To know that young people look up to us as men of God is a blessing."

The after party

The second annual Gleaner-sponsored Youth View Awards will be held on February 7, 2009 at the National Indoor Sports Centre and will feature performances from Lady Saw, Busy Signal, Tami Chynn, Leftside, Voicemail, D'Angel and Tifa.

For the first time ever, the centre will be divided in two, one half hosting the awards show and the other the after party. Tickets for both shows are currently on sale at a cost of $2,000 presold, and $2,500 at the gate.

Tickets for the after party will go for $1,500 presold and $2,000 at the gate.

Digicel sponsorship and promotions manager Maurice Bryan just may have his hands full as he cozies up with Natalie Storm (right), Digicel sponsorship executive, Tracy- Ann Thelwell, (second left) and Youth View Award nominees dancehall artiste (far left) Tifa and dancer Mystic (centre) at the launch held last Friday at the Devonshire. - Sean Bennett