Airtel Music Awards 2016 - Xtra Big and Sandra best male and female artists |26 June 2017
Xtra Big and Sandra (as per their stage names) are the best male and female artists respectively for the Airtel Music Awards 2016.
Both artists were rewarded at the Awards ceremony on Friday evening at the International Conference Centre (ICCS). They received trophies, cash prizes and night stays at certain tourism establishments, all sponsored by the local telecommunication company. Cash prizes and trophies also went to other winning artists in other categories.
It has been customary for Airtel to hold such music award to pay special recognition to best performing artists during a specific year.
This year there has been two new categories included and awarded in the finals. They were the Honorary and Best Gospel awards. Despilly Williams, a veteran local musician and singer, was awarded the Honorary award while Robert Moumou & Omega featuring Marthina Labrosse, won for the Best Gospel. The Honorary award is dedicated to an artist who has always showed devotion and has given his/her all in his/her musical career. As for the Best Gospel winners they outpassed three other nominees – Jones Camille, Gordon, Master Emel/Angie - to win the award.
Other winning artists were Samia Maria for Best new recording artist. She came out best among nominees Clara, Element, Anna Rose and Karen. Travis ft Fastidious won best collaboration among nominees Cusman ft Tania; Sandra ft Regi; Xtra Big ft Tris; Aron/Antoinette and Jahrimba ft Ronnia. Antoinette Dodin and Jean Marc Volcy with their song Souldana, won best traditional song among nominees Daniel Freminot with his Best Medley Moutya; Pastor Gordon with Pa Pou Aret Loue (gospel); Master Emel with Servolan; Herbet Oreddy with Problenm dan Kominote. People’s Choice went to Jahrimba and best recording song went to Sandra with her song Fanm, Les Li. She won among nominees Cusman with Fedartifis; Jones Camille with Pilye Mon Lavi; Xtra Big with Sispans; Travis with Frazil and Aron /Antoinette with Ou Pa Konnen.
Both male and female winning artists had words of thanks for the organisers, fans and all those involved in making the awards a reality.
“I did not expect to win this prize tonight. I want to thank Airtel Music Awards, fans, members of the public who have appreciated my music. I also appreciate them the same,” said Xtra Big.
Sandra also was very appreciative: “I am very happy. 2016 has been another journey in my musical career. I dedicate this award to all of you. I did not expect to win. I support all local artists. Thumbs up to all of them as I believe we are on the same journey, struggling in the same direction. Remain positive. I thank God for his presence in my life. And everybody who has been supporting me. Thank you very much,” said Sandra.
The managing director of Airtel Seychelles, Amadou Dina, said 2016 has gone and everybody has enjoyed the night’s event.
“I am looking forward to the 2017 ceremony which will be another big event. All the nominees are winners. 2016 is gone and now we are waiting for 2017. Let’s make it big for 2017. Make sure you have the best every year. And thank you for supporting Airtel,” said Mr Dinah in his closing remarks.
Other entertainment for the evening included musical and song performances by the artists themselves like Jahrimba, Fastidious, Sandra, Xtra Big, Master Emel, Thina, Antoinette Dodin/Aron.
