NI Music Prize.

The Big Night at Ulster Hall was a proud moment for local music.

 The NI Music Prize returned to the Ulster Hall last night to a full house, for a live showcase of some of the best music artists we have to offer. The event, which was organised by the Oh Yeah Centre, also went out live on BBC Radio Ulster.

 It was a special night of artists spanning 50 years right through to our fresh new talent.

 There were memorable moments from Robocobra Quartet, Rory Nellis, Cherym, Leo Miyagee, SOAK and last year’s ATL Contender winners Dea Matrona.

Barry Devlin of Horslips received the Oh Yeah Legend Award and Mike Edgar gave him a rousing introduction. The evening played out with some of Horslips greatest songs, getting the fully seated venue on its feet.

 The evening also included a special Outstanding Contribution to Music presentation to screen composer Sheridan Tongue made by PRS for Music.

 Big moments included Robocobra Quartet taking Album of The Year supported by PPL, the big award of the night decided by a panel earlier that evening.  Public vote for Single of The Year went to Ferna for the briliant song Wasting. Junk Drawer did the double winning Live Act of The Year sponsored by Shine Promotions and for Video of The Year with Railroad King supported by YouTube Music. The BBC Introducing: ATL Artist of The Year award went to The Florentinas.

Charlotte Dryden from Oh Yeah said. “ What a night and brilliant showcase! I am so proud of the Northern Irish music community. Well done to all the winners. A huge amount of work goes into an event like this and we are committed to giving our talent the best possible platform through this event. That's why it is so reassuring that our supporters and sponsors understand this and get behind this event. Music contributed £345 million to the NI economy pre covid and with the right conditions we can exceed that post covid. Challenges remain, but just imagine what we could do with the right investment. It's why we need to support local music."

The NI Music Prize is supported by: YouTube Music, Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland, PRS for Music, PPL, Shine Promotions, Bushmills, BBC Radio Ulster.

The event is part of the wider Sound of Belfast Festival and this year it was proud to support the Foodstock Charity.