anugeraHitz.sg - Hitz the Local Malay Music Industry

It is particularly heartening to see that our Singaporean music composers and musicians especially our fellow Malay ethnic group slowly getting recognition by the local media in Singapore. For me, I find that the main focus on the local music industry in Singapore seems to be focussing on Mandarin Pop music. Such occurance on this particular music genre could be due to the major Chinese population staying here. It's not that I find Mandarin Pop music is bad. It's just that I wish that more variety of music genres (jazz, r&b, hip-hop, xin yao, film etc) composed by our own Singaporean music composers could get more airplay in the local radio.

Mind...u...guys. I am also a Chinese if anyone thinks that I am against Mandarin Pop music. Anyway the information below features the collaboration of Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS) and MediaCorp in setting up an award show for the local Malay music industry.(Source from COMPASS website: http://www.compass.org.sg)

anugeraHitz.sg
Hitz the Local Malay Music Industry

Singapore, 11 November 2008 – Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS), MediaCorp Suria, MediaCorp Radio Warna and Ria, and today announce their first collaboration in the production of anugeraHitz.sg, an awards show that honours the best in the local Malay music industry.

The inaugural awards show also recognises and celebrates the contributions made by the talents to the Malay music industry. Local and international viewers can view the ‘LIVE’ show on Suria and via web streaming at anugeraHitz.sg. Radio listeners can also catch the ‘LIVE’ simulcast on Warna 94.2FM and Ria 89.7FM. The event will be held at MediaCorp TV Theatre on Friday, 3 April 2009 at 8.30pm.

Senior Vice President of Suria Network Programming and Promotions and Eaglevision Production, Mr. Suhaimi Jais says, "Since its launch in 2000, Suria has produced and discovered many local talents, including those in the music field. Suria has always been one of the main platforms for the artistes, composers and musicians to have the opportunity to showcase their talents. The strong cohesion between TV and Radio has garnered the support of more than 240,000 viewers for Anugerah Planet Muzik (APM). We hope to garner the same support for anugeraHitz.sg. Today's partnership with COMPASS is an extension of Suria's commitment to help nurture these talents to their fullest potential. At the same time, our effort will acknowledge the contributions they have made to the industry and community."

Echoing the views, Dr Edmund Lam, Chief Executive Officer and Director of COMPASS adds, “COMPASS is pleased to work together with MediaCorp on anugeraHitz.sg. These awards aim to recognize music, recording artistes and album producers who have excelled. We have seen a revival of the local music industry in Singapore in recent years with the strong support given by the media, especially by Suria, Warna and Ria. They have been critical and indispensable vehicles to promote local music. This encouraging situation is also attributed to the nurturing and promotional efforts of PERKAMUS over the years.”

"Our Malay radio stations, Warna 94.2FM and Ria 89.7FM, have always supported local talents. We introduced Anugerah Planet Muzik (APM) in 2001 as a platform to showcase the best in the Malay Music industry in this region. The Singapore segment has always been an integral part of the event. We are very excited about 'anugerahHitz.sg', an awards show that celebrates and recognizes talented local artistes and music professionals. We hope that this event will be a milestone in the Malay music industry. We look forward to the support of all artistes and music fans here in Singapore and the region", said Ms Zakiah Halim, Vice President of Malay, Indian and Community Programming, Radio Division.

There has been strong support and demand for local music in recent years. Local songs and artistes are regularly featured in the weekly popular charts indicating strong support and love from Singaporeans. It is also a testimony to the immense creative talent in the pool of Malay music professionals.

A total of 10 award categories will be presented during anugeraHitz.sg:

Artis Terbaik (Best Artiste)
Duo/Kumpulan Terbaik (Best Duo/Group)
Artis Baru Terbaik (Best New Artiste)
Duo/Kumpulan Baru Terbaik (Best New Duo/Group)
Album Terbaik (Best Album)
Lagu Terbaik (Best Song)
Komposer Terbaik (Best Composer)
Penulis Lirik Terbaik (Best Lyricist)
Lagu Paling Popular (Most Popular Song)
Artis Paling Popular (Most Popular Artiste)

Submission of entries for the above mentioned award categories will start from 1 December 2008 to 30 December 2008. Songs, albums, extended play (EP) and singles that are released between 1 July 2007 and 31 December 2008 are eligible for entry.

Viewers and listeners are also given the opportunity to decide via SMS for the Top 3 positions of “Most Popular Song” and “Most Popular Artiste” in March 2009.

A special “Lifetime Music Achievement” award will be presented to honour the individual who has made an outstanding artistic contribution and impact to the local Malay music industry during his/her lifetime.

To find out more about anugeraHitz.sg, please visit anugeraHitz.sg.