Cells score four prizes at Lao Music Awards

Hard rock band, Cells, won four categories of the first Lao Music Awards, held at the National Culture Hall on Saturday.

The band took out the prizes for best album, most popular song and best rock song, and Cells' vocalist Athisak Rattanavong won best songwriter of the year.

Prizes were awarded in 14 categories. The most popular artist of the year was awarded to Ting Phailavanh, while Aluna Thavonsouk and Tone Aniluth won the best female and best male artist awards.

Other winners included Secret (best duo or group), Bidalak Si-akkhaphom, known as Touly, and Khannakhon Xayakham, known as Cream, (best new artist) and LOG song E-Yang Ka Dai (best hip hop or R&B Song).

The best pop song was awarded to Khuam Houseuk Bok by Aluna Thavonsouk, best country song went to Khoy Nong Mayam by Bounleua Valideth and best folk song to Lam Siphandon by Viengphou Nounim.

Best song producer went to Soulinthon Khounsathon (known as Mee) and Manoxay Keonakhon (known as No).

The Lao Music Awards is the first event of its kind to recognise successful Lao songwriters, performers and producers.

The Ministry of Information and Culture's Fine Arts Department Acting Director General is Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong. He said he was proud to host the event and hoped it would promote the growth of art and culture in Laos , particularly the music scene.

“This will become an annual event and will help to raise the standard of the music industry in Laos to equal footing with the international entertainment scene,” he said.

Celebrations for the Lao Music Awards began at the National Culture Hall on Saturday morning and attracted more than 5000 people throughout the day and evening. Events during the day included games, activities and a music and dance competition.

The awards ceremony took place in the evening and artists walked a red carpet into the venue. It was broadcast live on Lao TV and featured performances by Tone Anilouth, Cells, Meduzia, LOG, Sam, Nalin, Aluna, Ting Phailavanh and B-Hero.

Organisers presented a special prize to Mr Sisana Sisane, to honour him for promoting Lao art and culture. Mr Sisana is a song writer and a past Minister of Information and Culture.

Winners in each category received a uniquely designed vintage record player incorporating the Lao national flower dok champa (frangipani), and gift sets from Tigo and Close Up toothpaste.

By PHOONSAB THEVONSA