New black comedy awards launched

The Real McCoy stars Eddie Nestor and Robbie Gee are to be given lifetime achievement awards at a new ceremony celebrating the best in black comedians.

The Black Tie Comedy Awards is aimed at the urban comedy circuit and takes place when many of the most high-profile black comedians, including Stephen K Amos, Reginald D Hunter, Ava Vidal and Rudi Lickwood, are performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Organiser Ken Drysdale said: ‘We are trying to make this the comedy version of the MOBOs.’

The awards have evolved from the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards (BECAs), with Drysdale promising ‘a lot more razzmatazz’ than their predecessors.

Nominees for best TV performance are Toju for Balls Of Steel, Jocelyn Gee for Little Miss Jocelyn, and Slim, Paul Chowdhry and Jason Lewis for separate performances on MTV Base.

Shortlisted for best female comedian are Gina Yashere, Donna Spence, Glenda Jaxson, Annette Fagon and Felicity Ethnic; while up for best male are Slim, Quincy, Eddie Kadi, Paul Chowdhry and Richard Blackwood.

There is also an award for best international act, which will go to either Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Capone, Will E Robo or Tony Roberts – while the shortlist for best newcomer isKevin J, Fumnbi, JCX & Slick, Prince Abdi and Babtunde.

Prizes will be given out at IndigO2, at London’s O2 Arena, on August 23. to buy tickets.

Published: 10 Aug 2009