Judges have announced the four finalists in each of 14 categories of the Lao Music Awards ahead of the awards ceremony on July 26 at the National Culture Hall when the winners will be announced.
The final day of the selection process took place last Saturday in Vientiane when judges considered the merits of entertainers in each category, led by Acting Director General of the Art Performance Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong.
The Lao Music Awards are the first of their kind in Laos . They will recognise successful songwriters and performers, as well as the producers who work behind the scenes.
The awards aim to promote both artists and the Lao music industry as being on an equal footing with the international entertainment scene. The organisers also hope to encourage more young people to become involved in the Lao music industry instead of engaging in socially unacceptable behaviour.
Mr Xaysavath said “We had a tough time making our decisions because we had to consider the songs of artists from all over the country. We had to look at lyrics, content and rhythm in accordance with the rules of the contest.”
“We've chosen the four best artists and songs in each category. Now we will throw the vote open to the public. People can vote for their favourite performers and songs from now until the night of the awards.”
“Voters can make their choice in one of two ways. They can either send an SMS through the Tigo network or fill in the form that can be found on boxes of Close-up toothpaste. These are on sale in markets in every province. People who vote for the eventual winner will receive prizes,” said Sengdara Communications Director Viroun Sengdara.
The finalists in each category are as follows:
Best album: Cream Thidasavanh, The Cells, LOG and Special Classroom.
Best songwriter: Tee Oudalai, Athisack Lattanavong, Pheophone Phommixay and Ling Latsamy.
Best male singer: Tone Anilouth, Anousone, Kimmy and Sam Inthalaphithak.
Best female singer: Alexandra, Vilayphone Vongsa, Aluna and Nalin.
Best producer: No Manoxai and Mee Soulinthone.
Best group: Secret, Vaivan, Modern Dance and B-Hero.
Best new artist: Cream Thidasavanh, Sam Inthalaphithak, Touly and Nalin.
Most popular artist: Kaisy Vangvernkhong, Ki Dowphet, Ting Phailavanh and Tone Anilouth.
Best song: Khon Meu Song by The Cells, Jeb Bor Jam by Tuly, Lom Now Deun Yi by Deuan Vilada and Lamvong Saravan by Ki Daophet.
Best rock song: Wan by The Cells, Yahet Hai Vanvai by Secret, Nor by Punky Dolls and Nang Fa by Meduzia.
Best hip-hop or r&b song: Eyang Ka Dai by LOG, Soulor Morsy by LOG, Tharn Dam by L-Zone and Pen Yang Tor Kan by Sam Inthalaphithak.
Best country song: Khoy Nong Ma Yam by Bounleua, Lamvong Saravan by Ki Daophet, Khen Fai Khoy Sai by Deuan Vilada and Xerng Paphayni Lao by Koulap Meungphia.
Best pop song: Khuam Hou Seuk Bork by Aluna, Mokha by Cream, Khid Hod by Touly and Vao Ba Ba by Nalin.
Best folk song: Teuy Hua Don Tan by Oychai Malaihak, Lam Siphan Done by Viengphou Nounim, Lam Saravan by Mee Malivan and Khap Thoum Luang Prabang by Mee Malivan.
The 2008 Lao Music Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Lao TV channels. People can obtain tickets to the event by purchasing specially marked products offered by event sponsors and following instructions on the packaging to receive tickets.
