Live entertainment for the evening included performances by several acts from the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. Croix), Puerto Rico, Montserrat, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Headlining the event was Jamaican superstar “BEENIE MAN” and his band “Ruff Cut” who had the crowd singing through much of the act. The most notable performance on the night was Leon Coldero and his band, Code 868, who had Soca fans in a frenzy with his “Boxing” wine and even got an encore from the crowd. Other performers included “Stroka Band” (from St. Croix), “La Gozadera” (Puerto Rico), “Iyah Lion Band” (St. Croix), “Dr Luma” (Montserrat), “El Poly De La Chatar” (Puerto Rico), “Pressure” (St. Croix) and “Silver Cat” (Jamaica). Photos and video clips from the event are available on-line at www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/2006/060401_bigga_awards_launch.

The 2006 “BIGGA Caribbean Music Awards” nominees include top Soca, Calypso, Reggae, Reggaeton, Chutney, Latin and Gospel artists like Destra Garcia, Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, KMC, Denise Belfon, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, TOK, Capleton, Jah Cure, Daddy Yankee, Oro Solido, Fulanito, Don Omar, Marc Anthony, Adesh Samaroo and much more. Award winners are selected by the public through voting stations around the Caribbean and the US. A full list of nominees and award categories, plus on-line voting is available at www.iyahitespromotion.com.

“IYAH ITES PROMOTIONS” originated from a concept created by the promoters Maxine & Sagie to provide local residents and tourist alike with what they really want – local talent showcasing the Virgin Islands’ unique music vibe. IYAH ITES has promoted sold out music concerts, talent shows, including “Reggae Fest”, “Black History Month Non-Violence Talent Competition” and the "Virgin Islands Music Awards” which acknowledged musicians and artists from the Virgin Islands. The group has also produced four CDs featuring various local artists and now manages new Cruzian Band called Iyah Lion Band which consists of youths from the Cruzian community.

The 2006 BIGGA Music Awards Launch marked another successful venture, which IYAH ITES plans to make an annual extravaganza. The cast of performers proves their dedication to the community by promoting local and various Caribbean talents and further re-enforces their motto "Let’s Stop the Violence by Working Together. United We Stand Divided We Fall".

The official BIGGA Caribbean Music Awards Ceremony & Celebrity Beach Party takes place in June 2006. For more information visit www.iyahitespromotion.com or email bigga33iyahites@yahoo.com.