Unity 101 presenter crowned Radio Personality of the Year

Unity 101 presenter crowned Radio Personality of the Year

Veronica Gordon wins 2013 BEFFTA UK Radio Personality of the Year

Vibrant Vibes presenter, Veronica Gordon, is celebrating being crowned the 2013 Radio Personality of the Year by the BEFFTA UK Awards – dubbed the ‘Black BAFTAs’ – which recognises outstanding talents in Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television & Arts. Veronica, born & raised in Southampton of Caribbean parentage, presents the ‘Vibrant Vibes radio show’ alongside her co-presenter Keesha Edwards, bringing vibrant music by Africa and Caribbean artistes, vibrant chat, community news and events, to Southampton’s airwaves. After successfully surviving the BEFFTA Award’s strict short-listing process, Veronica placed as a nominee, and the Award winners were selected by public vote. Veronica received overwhelming support from local people and she even had a celebrity supporter, her friend and favourite actor Jimmy Akingbola, the actor best known for playing the confident Dr Malick in BBC One’s Holby City. Not expecting to win, Veronica said, “I’m still in shock! Some of the other nominees in the category were very popular radio presenters from London, with bigger followings than me so I never thought I’d win! When they announced my name as the winner, everything just went blur! I could hear my family and friends cheering and they swept me up into their arms – which was a good thing as my legs would’ve given way! I keep kicking myself now though as I didn’t have a winner’s speech prepared as I wasn’t expecting to win, so I just thanked everyone and proudly mentioned that I’m from Southampton. My award was announced by one of my radio inspirations & previous BEFFTA Award winner, DJ Abrantee from Capital Xtra! Everything was so surreal.” Ram Kalyan “Kelly”, Unity 101’s Station Manager, said, “Veronica deserved this award. She works hard on the show and broadcasts a professional and fun show enjoyed by many from all communities. A big well done to Veronica – it’s got to be party time now!” Other BEFFTA UK winners on the night included soul sensation Beverley Knight (Best Female Act), Wiley (Best Male Act), D’Banj (Best Music Video: ‘Oliver Twist’), Fuse ODG from the hit ‘Antenna’ (Best UK Afrobeats Act). Tune into the Vibrant Vibes radio show fortnightly Saturdays from 6pm - 8pm or find them on facebook.com/vibrantvibes