Radio Romania Music Awards Gala

The 16th edition of the Radio Romania Music Awards Gala was held on Monday evening at the Radio Hall.

Mihai Pelin, 17.04.2018, 13:18

Just like every year, the public radio station awarded prizes to the best artists of the Romanian music industry within the 16th edition of the Radio Romania Music Awards Gala. Red carpet, lights, paparazzi, TV cameras and an excited audience welcomed the nominated artists at the entrance to the Radio Hall.

Artists and special guests answered the public radio’s invitation. A total of 17 trophies, original crystal works with silver inlays, created by the renowned Romanian visual artist Ioan Tamaian were awarded. 16 trophies were granted for the best performance in pop, folk, pop-dance and pop-rock last year, with 25 artists and 24 songs and albums included on the nominee list.

The Excellency Award was granted to singer Dida Dragan, for her outstanding career. “The Debut of The Year 2017” award went to Ioana Ignat while Andra got the trophy for “Best pop song”. Andra was also designated the best female voice of 2017.

Andra: “I’m glad to see you again. We meet every year at the Radio Romania Music Awards Gala, so thank you.”

Andra gave a mini-recital at the end of the Gala. The Romanian band Directia 5 walked home with the award for “Best pop-rock album” while the band’s soloist, Cristi Enache, got the award for best male voice. Irina Rimes grabbed the award for “Best song of the year 2017” while Carla’s Dreams got the “Big Like” award.

One of the well-established and most popular Romanian soloists and musical producers, Smiley, has been named “Artist of the year 2017” and has also won the “Album of the year” award.

Smiley: “Thank you Radio Romania, for broadcasting my music. I wish you as many Romanian music broadcasts as possible.”

The Motans have been designated best pop artists while Vunk grabbed the best rock artist award. Also, Serban Cazan was designated best composer of 2017. Special guests, including artists, composers, producers and Radio Romania managers came on stage to award the prizes.

The prize for best female voice was awarded by the CEO of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation, Georgica Severin, who said that Radio Romania would continue to support Romanian artists and quality music.

Georgica Severin: “It’s a lovely atmosphere, where I have found again songs and soloists from my adolescence and also some of my little grandson’s favourite songs. This is what the universality of music is all about and this shows the radio’s power of endurance throughout time.”

The hosts of the Gala were Daniela Mihai and Catalin Carnu with Radio Romania News and Current Affairs, together with Ioana Voicu from the National Television. The Gala was broadcast live by Radio Romania News and Current Affairs and by Radio Romania International. The show was video recorded and will be broadcast by the public television, the event’s co-producer, at a later date.