Celebrating Community: The Richmond Seen Hosts the Inauguaral Seen Awards at myCNTR
The first ever Seen Awards presented high energy. A unified sense of, “this was needed” was echoed across presenters, nominees, and attendees.
by Tranae Cearnal
Sunday, April 19 | 2:30 pm
All City Art Club’s Chris Visionz, accepts the award for Visual Artist of the Year. Image courtesy of Ellis Sawyer
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Seen hosted the inaugural Seen Awards at myCNTR on April 16, 2026. Sponsored in party by BLK RVA and hosted by ShaelaSoul and Jess Snyder of JessWuzHere, the night was a celebration of community and the people, places, and events that have shaped Richmond’s culture and allowed TRS to tell their stories.
The evening started with an opening reception for VIP guests and Seen Award nominees. With music from DJ Melodic, guests enjoyed food from Cocoa Pariis and libations from G-Spot Lemonade. TRS-themed gift bags, in collaboration with The Official Mix Network, were gifted to all nominees.
The awards honored creatives with impact from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, across 6 categories. Read up on our short list of nominees here.
Torren Shanae (speaking), and panelist discuss the importance of Black media. (Eric Jackson/ TRS)
In addition to early access, guests also had the opportunity to listen in on a panel discussion hosted by Don’t Mind Me Podcast hosts FrshWho and Keep It On Diel. Panelists included Torren Shanae of Poverty Worldwide, along with TRS nominees Erica Shambley of Mostly Sugar, RTD’s Chelsea Jackson, and Silly Genius of All City Art Club.
MG performs Run It Up, during the opening set of the 2026 SEEN Awards. (Ellis Sawyer)
The awards show portion of the night was kicked off with a performance by Bay-bred rapper MG and CEO of Pay 2 Play Music Group, Pay 2 Play Rixh.
BLK RVA’s Tameka Jefferson (and presenter of the Community Spotlight Award) welcomed the audience on behalf of The Richmond Seen.
There were also several star-studded presenters throughout the evening, including Sebastion Redd representing Contribution to the Culture Foundation, and Mooch and company from MOSS Studios (who sponsored the Sound of the City Award).
Skuzii performs a solo saxaphone set during the featured act at the 2026 Seen Awards. (Ellis Sawyer)
Ronnie Luxe, a 2026 Seen Nominee, gave an incredible performance during the final scene of the night. (Photo courtesy of Ellis Sawyer)
Throughout the night, the audience enjoyed performances from Timothy Maverick and Skuzii, and the evening closed out with an incredible set from Richmond’s own Ronnie Luxe.
Closing remarks from TRS co-founders Eric and Tranae rounded out the sentiments for the evening: they are here to preserve and protect the culture.
2026 Seen Award Winners per Category:
The Seen Award
Chelsea Jackson
The Sound of the City Award
Michael Millions
The Visual Artist Award
All City Art Club
The Taste Award
The Black Olive
The Community Spotlight Award
Duron Chavis
The Event of the Year Award
Charged Up Fest
