07 December 2009
Newsdesk
Saturday, 5 December was a triumphant night for Malta’s world music specialists Tribali as they walked away from the 5,000-strong crowd at the MFCC with 4 Malta Music Awards for Best Band, Best Album, Best CD Cover and Best Image.
The awards ceremony, which was broadcast live on TVM, also saw No Bling Show (Maltese Hip-Hop) and Carrie (Alternative Rock - currently promoting her material in the UK) receive 2 awards each.
Carrie was named Best Female Artist, while the Sweden-conquering Kevin Borg won Best Male. ‘Borderline’ by Airport Impressions was named Best Song of 2009, Red Electrick were named Best Newcomers. Forsaken (who have thousands of fans in Northern Europe as well as Malta) won the Best Heavy Metal Award and the evergreen Freddie Portelli received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
International superstar Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees took to the stage to receive a special award from the President George Abela, in recognition of his work honouring war dead. Half the proceeds from the night will go to the Malta Community Chest Fund, of which the President is patron. Robin Gibb promised the enthusiastic crowd that he would return to Malta for a concert next year with his brother Barry.
Influential British radio presenter and media personality Mike Read was presented with a Special Recognition Award. Mr Read thanked the organisers and the audience, saying the evening compared very favourably with similar ceremonies he has been involved in, such as the Brit Awards.
Another famous face in the star-studded event was Hollywood actor Matthew Marsden who presented one of the awards.
The show was very ably hosted by the inimitable Gianni and TV personality Angie Laus.
The winner’s list in full:
Best Band - Tribali
Best Male Artist - Kevin Borg
Best Female Artist - Carri
Best Album - ‘The Elephants of Lanka’ - Tribali
Best CD Cover - ‘The Elephants of Lanka’ - Tribali
Best Artist Website - www.iralosco.com
Lifetime Achievement Award - Freddie Portelli
Recognition Award - Mike Read
Best New Artist - Red Electrick
Best Song - ‘Borderline’ - Airport Impressions
Best Songwriter - Carrie
Best Video - ‘Lucija u Samuel’ - No Bling Show
Best Artist Image - Tribali
Best Dance Production - ‘Marigold’ - Tenishia vs Winter Moods
Best Hip hop/R n’B Artist - No Bling Show
Best Heavy Metal Band - Forsaken
