#tbt: MBO Award – Celebrating Talent, Smiles, and Social Impact
- Alex Gomes
- Sep 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 4
In the midst of the pandemic, artists and entrepreneurs were honored, celebrating achievements and inspiring transformation in their communities through the MBO Brazil Entrepreneur Award and the MBO Music Awards Americas.
Amid the challenging scenario of the Covid-19 pandemic, when uncertainty about the future hung over everyone, the MBO Brazil Entrepreneur Award and the MBO Music Awards Americas were born, both conceived by Alessandro Gomes.
The MBO Brazil Entrepreneur Award, held from May 31 to June 5, 2020, marked the first stage of this movement. The MBO Music Awards Americas held its first edition in the second half of 2020, organized in phases according to the official guidelines. Registrations closed on September 15; voting and results of the first phase took place on October 15; the third phase concluded on October 30; and finally, the decisive stages occurred with the semifinal on November 5 and the grand final on November 14, 2020. The event brought together musicians from six countries — Brazil (BR), Argentina (ARG), Puerto Rico (PUR), Bolivia (BO), Venezuela (VE), and the Dominican Republic (DO) — in addition to representatives from 27 Brazilian states.
More than just an artistic or business award, it was conceived as an instrument of hope and motivation, designed to renew dreams and inspire people going through moments of discouragement. Alessandro recalls with emotion a moment that marked the beginning of the project: during the selection of participants, the second-place winner, Ció Balbino, revealed that at that very moment he was reflecting and hoping that something significant would happen in his life, as he could not find meaning in all his efforts.
‘He was the one, among so many, who continued his career because of this ripple effect. Today, seeing his Instagram, I feel joy knowing that all the effort to organize this event was already worth it, even if it was just for him,’ says Alessandro Gomes.
This story illustrates the true purpose of the award: to impact lives, convey hope, and show that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to keep believing in dreams.
The event was held online, bringing together more than 100 participants in its final edition — 20 in the first, 56 in the second, and 106 in the third. The social impact was profound: during a period that had taken the smiles of so many — from the soul, the heart, and the face — the award restored the ability to dream, celebrate, and believe in a new tomorrow. Even those who did not win the main prize received a certificate of participation, a symbolic reminder that it is always worth not giving up.
The MBO Music Awards Americas 2020 recognized artists in three main categories: Best Fan Engagement, Best Song, and Best Music Video. The podium included public recognition certificates for the top three in each category, with the first-place winner in Best Song also receiving the Gold Plaque, considered the highest award of the edition. In this way, the event celebrated not only artistic quality but also popular engagement and audiovisual creativity.
Event Highlights and Key Moments
The victory of Lucas Ramonn at the MBO Music Award Brazil 2020 was marked by emotion, perseverance, and the renewal of dreams. Amid tears, challenges, and moments of doubt, Lucas shared on social media the joy and surprise of being recognized, emphasizing that the award brought hope during a critical period. Upon receiving the award plaque, he celebrated not only the artistic achievement but also the power of perseverance, faith, and community support, reinforcing that with courage and dedication, it is possible to turn obstacles into triumph.
In music, the Piauí-based band Validuaté, formed in 2004 in Teresina and led by José Quaresma, won three categories at the MBO Music Awards Americas: Best Song, Best Music Video, and Largest Fan Engagement with the song “Infinito”. The work stood out for its originality, poetic strength, and popular engagement, resulting from a project that deeply resonates with its audience. The national impact was immediate, with interviews given by José Quaresma, including a feature on the Clube Notícias portal, where he discussed the participation process, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the band’s future projects. Validuaté’s victory consolidated the Piauí music scene nationally and brought international visibility to the band.
The Ministério Shamah, with a decade-long trajectory, also had its moment of prominence, winning the Best Music Video category with the videoclip “Setembro Amarelo”, which addressed themes of mental health and the value of life. The band also reached the finals in the Best Web Clip category, demonstrating their commitment to gospel music and their mission to bring worship and inspiration. The award-winning videoclip is available on the Ministério Shamah channels, allowing the public to experience the production that earned this recognition. (Canal Ideal).
Even already internationally acclaimed, Joe Hirata celebrated with great enthusiasm his nomination and victory at the MBO Brasil Empreendedor 2020. On his social media, he shared the joy of being recognized as a cultural entrepreneur connecting Brazil and Japan through music: “Thanks to everyone who supports and values my work, I ended up winning the MBO Brasil Empreendedor 2020 award and would like to share with all of you the moment the trophy arrived, sent by Alessandro Gomes (CEO of MBO Business Training).”
Joe highlighted the importance of the MBO initiative in valuing entrepreneurs who care about their clients and audience, thanking everyone who shared, promoted, and voted. His enthusiasm and gratitude demonstrate how the award goes beyond financial recognition, strengthening cultural ties and inspiring others to persist in their projects.
The Award
To celebrate the winners, exclusive trophies were created, designed specifically for the event. Each trophy comes with a plaque that can be displayed in a special place, serving as a permanent symbol of the achievement.
In addition, all participants received certificates of participation, reaffirming that every effort and every talent is recognized. Even those who did not win the main prize were able to celebrate their journey, reinforcing the message that it is always worth pursuing one’s dreams.
The Judging Panel
The evaluation of the participants was conducted by a highly qualified technical panel, composed of Maurício Grassmann, musician, composer, arranger, sound engineer, and music producer, founder of FrequênCia Rara Studio, responsible for over 300 albums and 30 soundtracks, in addition to 13 solo albums; Sanzia Acioli, a Pernambucan artist, vocal coach, and guitarist, recognized for her work in developing new talents; Alessandra Grassmann, a specialist in music production and artistic evaluation; and Hilton Silva (Hiltinho), renowned vocalist, composer, and photographer, member of the legendary gospel band Raízes, known for their acclaimed Portuguese version of Stryper. Hiltinho brought decades of experience in performance, composition, and artistic direction, enriching the panel with his deep understanding of music, stage presence, and artistic integrity.
This combination of practical, technical, artistic, and pedagogical expertise ensured that the evaluation process was rigorous, credible, and fair. Each winner was recognized not only for their talent but also for their dedication, creativity, and potential to impact the musical community. Hiltinho’s presence, in particular, highlighted the MBO Music Awards’ commitment to honoring both artistic excellence and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of musicians.
Partners and Advocates
The MBO also counted on important institutional partners, such as Apsivida Psicologia Integrada, a clinic specializing in mental health, reinforcing the award’s focus on the renewal of dreams and emotional well-being, and ToothTalk by Alex (formerly Idrcomm), which supported the event’s organization and promotion, expanding its reach and social impact.
Event Coverage
The award received significant attention across different regions of the country. In the Northeast, the band Validuaté was highlighted in interviews, consolidating their national visibility. In the South of Brazil, the Ministério Shamah enjoyed extensive coverage in local and Christian media. Joe Hirata’s victory had a strong impact within the Japanese community, further emphasizing the cultural and international relevance of the MBO.
Social Legacy and Future Plans
The social impact of the award goes beyond music and entrepreneurship. It brought smiles and joy, even during a period of loss and hardship, renewing dreams and inspiring both participants and the audience to believe in a better future. The MBO showed that, even for a brief moment, it is possible to forget adversities, celebrate life, and recognize that with dedication and faith, there is always a new tomorrow. Even participants who did not win the main prize received certificates of participation, encouraging them to continue their artistic or entrepreneurial journey, reaffirming that every effort is important and every dream deserves to be pursued.
Regarding future plans, at that moment there were no defined strategies for annual continuity, international expansion, or new categories. However, the cycle that took place fully accomplished its mission. Each edition of the MBO Brazil Entrepreneur Award and the MBO Music Awards brought inspiration, motivation, and renewal of dreams to everyone involved, leaving a legacy of hope, resilience, and talent recognition. Alessandro Gomes emphasizes that, even without future projections, the feeling of a job well done is immense, as each edition created real emotional impact and transformation for the participants.
Alessandro Gomes summarizes the legacy of the project:
“The MBO Award was a milestone of hope and smiles of happiness. Seeing that all the effort was worth it, even if it impacted just one person, shows that art and dedication have the power to transform lives.”
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