The 6th Annual Haitian Music and Entertainment Awards 2002

The Miami Arena ! Yes indeed the Haitian-American community of South Florida has arrived. The 6th installment of the Haitian Music and Entertainment Awards took place on Saturday March 30th, 2002 to celebrate the achievments of the Haitian entertainment industry in Haiti and abroad.

The event opened with the singing of the U.S. National anthem by two talented 6th graders. The Stars & Stripes was followed with a salute to the Haitian flag led appropriately by La Reine Soley, Faraj Juste known as the bearer of the flag. The first award was presented by male model Tyrone Edmond and his companion to the Roots & Culture Festival chosen Favorite Florida Festival of the Year. Other awards presented early in the evening went to the New York All Stars for CD Presentation of the Year. The award was accepted by lead singer and Afiwi member Armstrong June. Tokay took the award for the Favorite Racine Performance of the Year.

The event has gained a reputation for drawing top celebrities both Haitian and non-Haitian and this year was no exception early in the show actress [and afiwi hall of fame member] Garcelle Beauvais presented NBA basketball player Olden Polynice with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to charities for Children in America and haiti. In a very moving and sincere speech, Polynice spoke of the strength of all Haitians being their pride.

Comedy by Mike Estime who also performed at last years show brought the house down with a hilarious routine that drew heavily upon his Haitian heritage. Tabou Combo performed two songs that brought the audience to their feet with a special blend of compas that had been seasoned for over 34 years. Haitian actor Gabriel Cassues and actress Vanessa Williams then presented the group with a lifetime achivement award. Williams and Casseus were also joined on stage by the Manuel Diaz the Mayor of Miami who promised to try his best to keep the show in Miami. The Mayor's office also presented La Reine Entertainment's president Cynthia Blanc with a proclamation for her efforts.

The show was hosted by Richie of Zenglen and Supa Cindy an on-air personality on WEDR 99Jamz, Miami. Richie's group took the award for Favorite Compa album of the year (let it groove) and Favorite Haiti Tour of the Year. Alan Cave was clearly the winner of the evening winning the Favorite Compa Song of the Year (Se Pa Pou Dat), Favorite Performing Band of the Year and Favorite Solo Album of the Year. Cave well recieved by screaming fans thanked his wife who he ecstatically told the audience was pregnant with his first child. Other awards followed with a energetic performance by Alan Cave with Zin performing his hit please baby.