The Zydeco Community Celebrates The 2nd Annual Zydeco Music Awards

By Toni Richard

If you were not at last nights Zydeco

Music Awards, you missed an awesome experience. Lafayette Louisiana's 

Heymann Performing Arts Center wa

s home to the

2nd Annual Zydeco Music Awards (ZMA's).  The show featured many well know artist such as

; Leon Chavis, J P

aul Jr & The Zydeco Nubreeds, Lil Jabb and Louisiana's #1 Zyd

eco Entertainer, "Snuggles & The Zydeco Show Stoppers" The Show was hosted by Lafayette's 

own, Dar

la Montgomery and delivered all that was expected and more. The opening act by Zydeco Artist, Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames was certainly a welcomed

performance by those in attendance. The special appearance by Zydeco/R&B artist Bryson Bernard also known as "Cupid" had the crowd on their feet. Cupid was born and raised in Lafayette La. and has the respect and support of the Zydeco as well as the R & B community. Having Cupid share the stage with Leon Chavis tonight was priceless however, when "Ride em Like a Cowboy's"  Kenne Wayne entered the stage the crowd was astonished. Who would have ever imagined? All of this in one place on a Thursday night in Lafayette Louisiana. 

The night was filled with excitement and the Performance of all performances was given my Snuggles & The Zydeco ShowStoppers. Sunggles did what Snuggles does. He along with the 

 

Photo by: Corey Butler J Paul Jr 5 time 2012 ZMA Award Winner

ShowStoppers had the crowd on their feet while he himself dropped it low. This young man may have been overlooked by the Zydeco Community and proved tonight that he has his place on the Stage. Sunggles is a reflection of what Zydeco Culture and entertainment is all about.

Greats like Grammy Award winner Chubby Carrier, was 

presented with the Ambassadors Award. Ame'de' Ardoin & Beau Jocque were honored and Nathan Williams Sr. received the Lifetime Achievement Award

Corey Broussard started the show by presenting award for best new artist which went to former Klein Forest student Jabory Francis, known to the Zydeco community as, "Lil Jabb". Other nominees in this category included Samone Wilson from Crosby, Tx. and Ruben Moreno from Houston, Tx. Naylan Williams walked away with the ZMA for best drummer. The ZMA for Best Zydeco Crunk Song went to J Paul right along with the award for Best Vocalist. Lil Nate won the ZMA for best accordionist but, J Paul Jr came right back to claim the ZMA for Best Zydeco Love Song. The ZMA for Best Rhythm Guitar went to 

 Photo by: Corey Butler J Paul Jr 5 time 2012 ZMA Award Winner

Dennis Paul Williams, member of J Paul Jr & The Zydeco Nubreeds. Award for Best Rub-board Player went to  "John John" Robinson also with JPaul Jr & The Zydeco Nubreeds. Best Song by A New Artist went to Lil Jabb. Best Collaboration, presented by Cupid went to J Paul Jr making this his 4th ZMA. Best Base Guitar went to Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timer's Michael Broussard. There was no denying the fact that Broussard was the crowds favorite.

For the complete list of award recipients please visit www.thezmas.com