English

Folk- och Världsmusikgalan (The Folk and World Music Gala) is a collaboration project between several institutions and organisations in the folk and world music field in Sweden. The intention is to raise the interest and status of folk and world music and help musicians with marketing and promotion both in Sweden and abroad. Sweden is a rich country musically and the gala want to emphasise the folk and world music part of the Swedish music scene.

The gala concert is broadcasted live on Swedish national radio.

The first gala was arranged in Stockholm in April 2010 and was a big success. A sold out concert hall and happy artists and winners. The second gala was arranged in Gothenburg April 16 2011 and attracted 1100 listeners. The second gala also organized seminars, exhibitions, lunch concerts etc that made the gala a meeting place for artists, agents, organisations and institutions within the genre. The third gala was organised in Malmo in March 2012 and presented Open Folk, a three day long event that did include seminars, debates, a big exhibition area and several more concert venues.

The 4th gala will be arranged in Gavle in April 18-20 2013. The gala concert takes place Saturday night but there are concerts both Thursday and Friday as well as a new big exhibition area including seminars, workshops, showcases and extra space for dance as well as activities for young musicians and dancers.

The gala selects winners in eight categories - Best Group, Best Artist, Best Newcomer, Best Collaboration, Best Concert Organizer, Best CD/DVD/Book, Best Traditionalist and a final Lifetime Achievment Award. A jury nominates 3-4 finalists and the winner will be presented during the gala. The public can also suggest nominees on the website.

Winners in 2010 were New Tango Orquesta (Best Group), Sofia Karlsson (Best Artist), Maher & Sousou Cissoko (Best Newcomer), Nordic (Best Collaboration), Selam (Best Concert Organizer), Esbjörn Hazelius/Passion (Best CD/Best Book), Lena Willemark (Best Traditionalist) and Izzy Young (Lifetime Achievment Award).

Winners in 2011: Nordic (best group), Haci Tekbilek (Best Artist), Punsch (Best Newcomer), Ale Moller (Best Collaboration), Urkult (Best Concert Organizer), Det Stora Uppdraget/Anno 2010 (Best Book/CD), Susanne Rosenberg (Best Traditionalist) and Märta Ramsten (Lifetime Achievement Award). Susanne Lind was awarded the special Future Prize for best artist for children and youth.

Winners in 2012: Hazelius & Hedin (best group), Miriam Aïda (Best Artist), Stormsteg (Best Newcomer), Västanå teater (Best Collaboration), Malmö Folk (Best Concert Organizer), Siri Karlsson (Best Book/CD),  Björn Ståbi (Best Traditionalist) and Ahmadu Jah (Lifetime Achievement Award). Sten Källman was awarded the special Future Prize for best artist for children and youth.

For more info please contact communication officer Peter Ahlbom, peter.ahlbom(at)gmail.com