Airtel Music Award 2017 |07 June 2018
Mercenary and Simon Amade outshine
• Taniah Jeremie best female artist
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Popular local artists Mercenary and Simon Amade were the stars that shone the brightest among a galaxy of other local stars on Friday evening as they each won two much coveted awards during the Airtel Music Award show for 2017.
Local stars came out in force and converged in large numbers in the mini stadium for the event which this year took place in an entrance-free show.
A large crowd of fans of the much loved artists along with other music lovers filled the mini stadium to capacity.
Mercenary, who launched a new album in December entitled Mercenary, took the award for best artist while one of the songs on it called Nanryen Pa’n Sanze, which is currently very popular, clinched the Best Song Award.
Giving his reaction after the show Mercenary said he is very happy that his hard work and effort have been recognised and appreciated by fans and other music lovers.
“I know I worked hard but I also know that other artists have equally worked hard and given their best so I was not really expecting an award. I was also still basking in the excitement of the two shows I just held and had come to the show to enjoy and give my support to other artists but in the end I received the two awards and I am very happy,” Mercenary said.
Mercenary’s last album is his 9th solo album.
Simon Amade, who recently made a comeback after a long absence from the music scene with an album featuring several gospel tubes, captured and mesmerised the audience and fans to win both the Best Gospel Award with the single Zezi I Vivan as well as the People’s Choice Award.
Amade said he is really happy though he too was not expecting to take home any award.
“There were other nominees whose songs were as good but I believe people appreciate my lyrics which highlight aspects of everyday life situations that people face and have to deal with,” said Amade.
He added that the song Zezi I Vivan will feature on another album he is working on.
The two artists both thanked fans and the award show organisers for recognising and appreciating their hard work.
Taniah Jeremie won the Best Female Artist Award while the Best New Female Artist Award went to Kelly Mathiot with her track Trankilite. The Best New Male Artist Award was clinched by Auspitius while the Best Group/Duo Award went to Louis Gang featuring Ines with their song Pa vir ou ledo.
Ever popular singer Joseph Louise won the Honorary Award while veteran singer Norville Ernesta clinched the Best Traditional Song Award with his song Lari Bazar.
Airtel managing director Amadou Dina congratulated the winners on their success and extended Airtel’s and his appreciation to all the artists whose participation made the event a success.
