World music awards to screen
It is that time of year again to pay tribute to the very best in contemporary music from around the globe with the 2003, 15th annual World Music Awards (WMA)
By Sebidde Kiryowa
It is that time of year again to pay tribute to the very best in contemporary music from around the globe with the 2003, 15th annual World Music Awards (WMA).
The WMAs were held at the magical Sporting Club in the Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo, under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, the sponsor, on October 12. Ugandan fans can, however, watch them on the M-Net channel on Thursday October 30 at 8:00pm.
The World Music Awards are presented annually to the world’s top selling recording artists of the past year in the various music categories and to the best-selling recording artists of the year from each of the major record buying countries. What makes these awards unique is that the winners are selected purely on record sales, hence it is the music fans that determine the winners by buying the records.
This year’s most notable nominee at the awards, which were hosted by actor Rupert Everett and tennis player Anna Kournikova, is 50 Cent, who racked up five nominations including Best Selling Pop Male for his debut LP, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, Best R&B Artist, Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best Recording Artist.
50 Cent has already been up for more than his share of awards. At the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Awards (which took place on August 8), he successfully walked away with a total of four awards. He was also named artist of the year at the Source Awards for Hip hop.
Other notable nominations included George Benson and Chaka Khan, who were both presented with the Legend Award. That particular honour is given out each year to members of the music industry who have made a permanent mark on society and who have influenced numerous artists before them.
The Diamond Award (fully equipped with a real diamond) was presented to (the now stable) Mariah Carey in honour of her worldwide record sales exceeding 100 million copies.
Since their inception in 1989, the World Music Awards have been the only awards show to honour the best-selling recording artists from every major country. Reaching an estimated worldwide audience of one billion, last year music lovers tuned in to watch the sta-studded spectacular, hosted by Shaggy, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Mark MacGrath.
Viewers were also treated to special guest star performances from Destiny’s Child; Alicia Keys; Michael Bolton and Shakira whilst supermodel Naomi Campbell, Kylie Minogue, Ja Rule and designer Dolce Gabbana were amongst the celebrity presenters.
Each year, a Legend Award is presented to a top recording artist in recognition of their global success and outstanding contribution to the music industry. Last year, Gloria Gaynor was presented with the award. Previous recipients of this award include the late Barry White; Stevie Wonder; Ray Charles; Whitney Houston; Michael & Janet Jackson; Elton John; Maria Carey; Tina Turner and Diana Ross.
This year the World Music Awards, through the Monaco Aid and Presence Foundation, will be building a Princess Grace Hospital and school in Africa from proceeds generated from the event.
It is that time of year again to pay tribute to the very best in contemporary music from around the globe with the 2003, 15th annual World Music Awards (WMA).
The WMAs were held at the magical Sporting Club in the Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo, under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, the sponsor, on October 12. Ugandan fans can, however, watch them on the M-Net channel on Thursday October 30 at 8:00pm.
The World Music Awards are presented annually to the world’s top selling recording artists of the past year in the various music categories and to the best-selling recording artists of the year from each of the major record buying countries. What makes these awards unique is that the winners are selected purely on record sales, hence it is the music fans that determine the winners by buying the records.
This year’s most notable nominee at the awards, which were hosted by actor Rupert Everett and tennis player Anna Kournikova, is 50 Cent, who racked up five nominations including Best Selling Pop Male for his debut LP, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, Best R&B Artist, Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best Recording Artist.
50 Cent has already been up for more than his share of awards. At the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Awards (which took place on August 8), he successfully walked away with a total of four awards. He was also named artist of the year at the Source Awards for Hip hop.
Other notable nominations included George Benson and Chaka Khan, who were both presented with the Legend Award. That particular honour is given out each year to members of the music industry who have made a permanent mark on society and who have influenced numerous artists before them.
The Diamond Award (fully equipped with a real diamond) was presented to (the now stable) Mariah Carey in honour of her worldwide record sales exceeding 100 million copies.
Since their inception in 1989, the World Music Awards have been the only awards show to honour the best-selling recording artists from every major country. Reaching an estimated worldwide audience of one billion, last year music lovers tuned in to watch the sta-studded spectacular, hosted by Shaggy, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Mark MacGrath.
Viewers were also treated to special guest star performances from Destiny’s Child; Alicia Keys; Michael Bolton and Shakira whilst supermodel Naomi Campbell, Kylie Minogue, Ja Rule and designer Dolce Gabbana were amongst the celebrity presenters.
Each year, a Legend Award is presented to a top recording artist in recognition of their global success and outstanding contribution to the music industry. Last year, Gloria Gaynor was presented with the award. Previous recipients of this award include the late Barry White; Stevie Wonder; Ray Charles; Whitney Houston; Michael & Janet Jackson; Elton John; Maria Carey; Tina Turner and Diana Ross.
This year the World Music Awards, through the Monaco Aid and Presence Foundation, will be building a Princess Grace Hospital and school in Africa from proceeds generated from the event.