Social impact organisation Kickin It has announced the honourees for its second annual Toast Gala, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 2 August, at Long Bay Beach Resort in the British Virgin Islands. The event coincides with the territory’s Emancipation Festival and will highlight cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and creative achievement under the theme “Together We Bloom.”
The Toast Gala will again feature Kickin It Honors, an award segment that recognises creatives whose contributions span multiple disciplines and have had international and regional influence.
The 2025 Kickin It Honors recipients include:
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Issa Rae, Actress, Producer and Writer – Global Influence Award
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Skylar Marshai & Temitope ‘Temi’ Ibisanmi, Content Creators – Creative Catalyst Awards
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Tenille Clarke, Storyteller and Publicist – Cultural Impact Award
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IYAZ, Singer/Songwriter – Trailblazer Award
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Igdaliah Pickering, Fashion Designer – Rising Star Award
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Michael Winter Jr., Photographer – Rising Star Award
The awards ceremony will take place against the backdrop of the British Virgin Islands’ coastline, with honourees, visiting creatives, and regional industry leaders expected to attend. The evening will include a Caribbean-inspired three-course dinner, live entertainment, and the presentation of the 2025 Kickin It Honors.
Kyra James, founder of Kickin It, addressed members of the media during a press conference earlier this week. Reflecting on the initiative’s impact, James said the event serves to uplift creatives whose work “tells stories—our stories.” She added that this year’s ceremony will recognise “double the creatives” compared to its inaugural edition.
Proceeds from the gala will support Kickin It’s ongoing work in cultural preservation and creative development throughout the region.
