This year, the 312 Music Awards brought out Chicago’s community of artists to recognize Black Excellence. A number of presenters from Big Mouf’Bo, Mike Sampson, Naim Matthews, and others announced the winners as each artist was recognized for their talents.
Honorees walked the red carpet and interviewed with Bee Hendricks before the ceremony, where they all spoke highly of Chicago’s artistry and the recognition that the 312 Music Awards provides.
More than 15 awards were given to some of Chicago’s hottest artists. The Music Artist of the Year award went to Sinatris, and Zia Jenaye walked away with the Best New Artist award. Ashlee Bankz was named Rising Star of the Year.
In the film category, Will Gates won Best Film Director of the Year, and Shanta Renee Smith was awarded Best Actress of the Year. Other categories included Best Manager (Shaun Redwell), Best Stand-Up Comedian (Darrin Brown), and Best Mixing Engineer (Ksenia Plastinina).
Afrika Porter was gifted with a special Humanitarian Award, and Mark Hubbard was named as a Humanitarian Honoree.
In between awards, performers such as Dlow Simmons, Jhonte, and Zia Jenaye took the stage to turn the crowd up. The night ended with a Footwork Battle on stage in true Chicago fashion.
