On April 5, 2025, J’Ouvert City International hosted its annual Black Tie Awards & Fundraising Gala, An Evening of Excellence, bringing together community leaders, artists, and supporters to honor the individuals and bands who helped make J’Ouvert 2024 a success.
Held at the St. Jude Community Center in Brooklyn, the evening reflected JCI’s continued commitment to recognizing and uplifting the people who sustain this cultural tradition year after year.
Celebrating 2024’s Contributions to J’Ouvert
This year’s theme, “Rekindle the Sweetness of Calypso and Soca – Showcasing the Rich Heritage of Storytelling Globally”, set the tone for an event that honored the music, masquerade, and meaning behind every performance.
Awards were presented to the top-ranking Masbands, Steelbands, and Rhythm Bands from J’Ouvert 2024, with standout performances by groups like Philly Pan Stars, Kutters, 2 J & Friends, and King Jab & Friends. The results reflect not only artistry and execution, but also the cultural depth and dedication that define the early morning hours of J’Ouvert.
The gala also paid tribute to a group of celebrated Calypso and Soca icons who served as 2024 Grand Marshals and Cultural Ambassadors, including Dr. Witty, Natasha Wilson, DJ Rolls Royce, Denise Belfon, and others who have carried the music forward in New York and beyond.
Twelve Phenomenal Women in Steelpan
A highlight of the evening was the formal recognition of Twelve Phenomenal Women in the Steelband Community, musicians, mentors, and cultural stewards whose behind-the-scenes work has shaped generations of J’Ouvert sound:
Annette Chacon, Nyasha Rhoden, Cheryl Williams, Pearl Jones, Ingrid Samuels, Colette Baptiste, Kathleen Trebuse, Sherma McMillan, Gwynn Glasgow, Lillian Nicholas, Hyacinth Meade, and Zion Alexis.
Each woman honored represents a lineage of excellence and dedication within a musical tradition that is both technical and deeply communal.
Looking Ahead
The evening was not just about recognition, it was also a celebration of the collective work required to carry this culture forward. With support from elected officials, clergy, community organizations, and cultural leaders, J’Ouvert City International continues to lead the effort to preserve the art and history of J’Ouvert in Brooklyn.
Special thanks were extended to the elected officials who offered their support, including Mayor Eric Adams; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Assemblymembers Monique Chandler-Waterman and Brian Cunningham; Councilmembers Farah N. Louis, Mercedes Narcisse, Rita Joseph, and Chi Ossé; Senators Zellnor Myrie and Kevin Parker; and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams.
JCI also recognized the dedicated panel of judges who helped make this year’s awards possible: Dr. Winsome Davidson, Annette Alston, Carlton Joseph, Shaneek King, Janelle Young, Glenis Thomas, and Brian Weekes.
View the official 2024 J’Ouvert results here
