ROTTERDAM, 16 December 2024 – The winners of the Rotterdam Music Awards 2024 were announced at Theater Zuidplein, celebrating the highlights of Rotterdam’s diverse music scene.
Rotterdam Music Awards 2024 winners announced
The 11th edition of the Rotterdam Music Awards took place on Monday, 16 December at Theater Zuidplein. Organised by Popunie, the annual event highlights the city’s music achievements over the past year. Various artists, venues, and initiatives were recognised across eight categories. The evening also saw the presentation of the book Rotterdam Popstad, a comprehensive overview of 70 years of Rotterdam pop music.
2024 winners in eight categories
The awards ceremony began with a spoken word performance by Elten Kiene, setting the stage for the announcement of winners in the following categories:
- Best Festival: Motel Mozaïque won for its eclectic mix of music, art, and performances.
- Best Venue (Beste Podium): MONO was recognised for its role as a cultural meeting place for alternative sounds, fostering events, workshops, and emerging talent.
- Export Award: Singer-songwriter Jessy Yasmeen received the award for her successful international tour, including performances in Cuba and the Caribbean.
- Best Club Night: FOMO, known for its multidisciplinary approach combining art and club culture, was honoured for its experimental events and platform for up-and-coming DJs.
- Encouragement Award (Stimuleringsprijs): Daan Arets and Stichting GloMAD were recognised for promoting world music through events like Global Music Nights and World Sessions at venues including Lab Grounds and Batavierhuis.
- Rotterdam Track of the Year: Philia by L’orne was voted the standout track. The band also celebrated a successful year with a new album and performances beyond the city.
- Rotterdam Album of the Year: Is Dit Nou Blues? by Ruwhel & De Bigi Blues Band won public acclaim. Their album, blending jazzy, Caribbean-inspired hip-hop blues, was also part of a successful theatre tour.
- The Promise (De Belofte): Hana Fatur was named the most promising talent of 2024, earning a €10,000 work budget.
The awards were presented by notable figures including Francis Pronk, Thijs Boer, and Frans Vreeke. The event featured performances by Ruwhel & De Bigi Blues Band, Lindi, and L’orne, alongside a special set by Hana Fatur, De Belofte of 2024.
Presentation of Rotterdam Popstad
The evening included the unveiling of Rotterdam Popstad, a 560-page book chronicling the city’s pop music history. Written by Remko van Bork and published by Popunie, the book features over 500 bands, musicians, venues, and festivals. Rotterdam gabber icon Paul Elstak received the first copy. The book is now available for €29.95 at Rotterdam’s music and bookshops as well as online.
About the Rotterdam Music Awards
Launched in 2014 by Popunie, the Rotterdam Music Awards spotlight the quality and diversity of the city’s music sector. Nominees are selected in collaboration with partners including Rotterdam Festivals, VNPF, Cultural Bridges, Music Matters, and N8W8 R’dam.
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