NI Music Prize 2019 · 7th November
Ulster Hall · Belfast
The Northern Ireland Music Prize which took place at the Ulster Hall to a sold out crowd, was the largest celebration of local music under one roof in 2019.
Broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster, it was a night of stunning performances from Ryan Vail & Elma Orkestra, Saint Sister, Jordan Adetunji, Strange New Places and of course Legend recipients Snow Patrol, who ended the show with a rousing and emotional tribute to being home after being presented with the award by Mike Edgar, and Stuart Fleming from PRS.
It was a night for emotional speeches and there was a real sense of community among the bands and fans. Big surprises came via video messages from Coldplay for this years ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ recipient Steve Strange, and a very special message from Van Morrison to Snow Patrol.
Three of the awards were decided through public vote, which led to Cherym picking up the Oh Yeah Contender Award, Sister Ghost scoop the Best Live Act and Junk Drawer’s ‘Year of The Sofa’ took away Best Single.
The best album which was won by Ryan Vail & Elma Orkestra for ‘Borders’ was debated by an 11 strong panel while the awards were taking place, which added to the excitement of the evening and delivered the result during the actual show.
The NI Music Prize is coordinated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre and forms part of a weeklong celebration of Belfast and NI Music through the Sound of Belfast Festival. It is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Magic Kite, Just Lite, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, PPL, PRS for Music, Help Musicians and in association with BBC Music Introducing Across The Line.
Outstanding Contribution to Music - Presented to Steve Strange by Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol.
Oh Yeah Legend Award - Presented to Snow Patrol by Mike Edgar and Stuart Fleming from PRS for Music.
Best Album – Presented by PPL - Winner - Ryan Vail & Elma Orkestra – Borders - Presented by Shona McCarthy, Chair of Oh Yeah, and Peter Leathem, Chief Executive of PPL
Best Live Act - Sponsored by Bushmills Irish Whiskey - Winner - Sister Ghost - Presented by Paul Connolly of The Wood Burning Savages and Patrick Morgan from Bushmills
Best Single – Supported by Help Musicians - Winner - Junk Drawer – ‘Year of The Sofa’ - Presented by Phil Taggart from BBC Radio 1 and Claire Gevaux from Help Musicians.
Oh Yeah Contender Award in Association with BBC Music Introducing Across The Line. - Winner - Cherym - Presented by Gemma Bradley of Across The Line and Charlotte Dryden from Oh Yeah.
The stage show was presented by David (Rigsy) O’ Reilly and Hannah Peel, with the radio broadcast presented by Stephen McCauley and Gemma Bradley on BBC Radio Ulster.
Special thanks to Davy Matchett, Sharon Young, Damien McAdams, Heather Wilson and to all the crew, staff and volunteers that helped organise the event. Thanks also to Stuart Bailie for scripts and audio, Oisin O’Brien for visuals and to the Ulster Hall and BBC Radio Ulster for the live broadcast.