Adam O receives first trailblazer award at BVI's inaugural Toast Gala, a celebration of Virgin Islands culture, creativity, and community.
Beloved Virgin Islands singer-songwriter Adam O’Neal, better known by his stage name Adam O, became the first recipient of Kickin It’s Trailblazer award, delivered at the organization’s inaugural Toast Gala, a celebration of Virgin Islands culture, creativity, and community.
Kickin It, a nonprofit focused on promoting and preserving VI culture, launched the gala event in Tortola as a fundraiser for the organization's ongoing initiatives. The sold-out event featured gourmet bites, a silent auction, and a captivating acoustic performance by dancehall artist Monéa.
Adam O expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that creatives in the Virgin Islands don’t necessarily get the recognition and support from the community that people in other, more prestigious professions might. “Because people don’t understand what we do and it really boils down to one word, that is support. That’s all we really need,” he said, speaking for creatives in all fields, from art to music and everything in between.
The popular musician made sure to remind the audience that although he may now reside in the USVI, his roots are on the British side. “You know I grew up in Virgin Gorda. I is a O’Neal boy,” he said. “This ain’t just a Crucian coming over here to get an award. I have my belonger’s card, he joked.”
The Trailblazer award is the first of his career, Adam O disclosed, expressing his gratitude for the recognition. “You don’t know how much this means to me. I don’t think you know what it is you did tonight,” he told Kickin It’s founder, Kyra James.
Additional honorees from the evening’s gala, held on August 3, included visual artist Jannet Prosper and creative director and stylist Travie Rozae, both local to the BVI.
