Despite a late start, Tha Underground Music Awards was everything organisers said it would be — a red carpet entrance complete with human statues and tricked out cars, amazing performances and entertaining hosts. The show took place on Saturday night at City Hall starting a whole hour behind schedule. However, once it did get started and despite technical difficulties, everybody had a good time.

When I arrived at City Hall, the red carpet was impressive with three customised cars with Lamborghini style doors, impressive paint jobs and Collie Buddz’s new CD pumping out of the speakers.

Three models covered in gold, bronze or silver paint with extravagant eyelashes and hairstyles struck a pose and stayed in their role as human statues.

At the end of the carpet, Tha Underground radio host Earl Basden and Power Girl from Power 95 interviewed nominees, presenters and performers as they arrived.

After my picture was snapped a few times with Vybez Alliance and his brother Melvin, I walked into the hall and was treated to an upstairs exclusive VIP section with complimentary drinks and nibbles with special guests.

The show began just before 9 p.m. with Joy Barnum emerging from underneath the stage in a flowing white dress performing with confidence and ease.

Co-hosts Alia Hamza and Roddy came on and apologised to everyone for the late start. I could appreciate that they were straight up with the audience right from the beginning.

A high energy dance group from Whitney Institute called “Spilt Personality” graced the stage switching from song to song, genre to genre. They started out dancing to Assassin, went to Mr. Vegas and then switched to a down south, crunk vibe. These girls are very talented and have excellent stage presence.

The Architek and J Blac of Loc Tight performed a song called “Life Is Good”.

Jonae, winner of the Roc the Mic Competition and winner of best female vocalist, best song R&B and song of the year, performed her song “3 Strikes”. On her first try, whoever was cueing up the music started to play the track with her singing instead of the soundtrack. She walked off the stage, came back and sang her song impressing everyone.

Wesley Hall, second place winner of the competition performed his song “Gotta Let You Know” with high energy getting the crowd into it. Jasmine Hendrickson (Jazzy) followed with an a cappella rap that hit home to everyone in the audience. She performed a passionate song called “Dead Soldiers” about all the young people who have died over the past few years. Her rhymes were crazy and her flow was amazing.

Tru Shott, winner of best artist and best rap song performed his hit “Bermy” with energy, confidence and style.

BXL — a rap group from the Bronx, New York comprised of Joe Dirt, Persevere and Buddy Mylez took the stage and showed everyone how a rap group is supposed to perform. The first time they came out in matching black “BXL” shirts going in the crowd and getting them involved. The second time, they came out showcasing their individual style with a performance that stole the show.

Buddy won best freestyle and LA Virgil Artist of the Year.

Torrie Baker also performed with three young girls as his back-up dancers.

One of the final performances of the night was the sexiest with Scandalous, best new artist and best female rap artist, being carried to the stage on a stretcher by two men in muscle-Ts with dark shades. She got up, worked the stage and did her thing.

ENT closed out the show with a hype performance.

Best producer went to Civil Wise, Best Collaboration went to Jordan Star and Miss T, DJ of the year was DJ Style from Loc Tight, and Best Dancehall/Reggae Artist went to Tiny T.

Even though I enjoyed the show, it would have been nice to say everything ran smoothly but it didn’t.

The projector screen didn’t work with Media Player popping up instead of the nominees, some of the performances started at the wrong time and there weren’t enough mics.

But other than that, I had a good time watching all that talent Bermuda has to offer. I am looking forward to next year.