Thursday, November 1, 2018
Gallery – Songlines Music Awards 2018
Picture highlights from the 2018 Songlines Music Awards Ceremony
Fatoumata Diawara and Angélique Kidjo
The inaugural Songlines Music Awards ceremony, sponsored by Colombia Travel, took place on October 20 at London’s Electric Brixton. Hosted by the charismatic Cerys Matthews, the evening was packed with a range of performances from nominees and winners alike: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Black String, Warsaw Village Band, Vieux Farka Touré, Mokoomba, Best Newcomer (sponsored by ISM) Maya Youssef and an a capella performance from World Pioneer winner Angélique Kidjo.
After receiving her award from Channel 4’s Jon Snow, who wore a Yoruba tie in her honour, Kidjo spoke eloquently about the influence of her idol Miriam Makeba on African women, and her hopes for the new generation.
Fatoumata Diawara made a surprise appearance in the final number, a rendition of Makeba’s ‘Kilimanjaro’ with Kidjo, backed by an all-star house band. Emotive speeches and spirited dancing made for a heartfelt celebration of music.
Enjoy highlights from this year's ceremony in our photo gallery below. You can explore all of this year's winners here. (All photos by Tom Askew-Miller)
Host Cerys Matthews
Black String receive the Asia & Pacific Award
Actor and presenter Benjamin Zephaniah
Eliza Carthy accepts her Europe Award
Vieux Farka Touré performed and was a nominee in the Best Artist category
Warsaw Village Band gave an acoustic performance
Fatoumata Diawara made a surprise appearance
Best Newcomer Maya Youssef
Presenter Jon Snow
Angélique Kidjo, winner of the World Pioneer Award
Best Group: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
Fatoumata Diawara and Angélique Kidjo perform Miriam Makeba's 'Kilimanjaro'
Fatoumata Diawara and Angélique Kidjo were backed by an all-star house band
Fatoumata Diawara and Angélique Kidjo embrace at the end of the ceremony
A rapturous response to a sensational evening
After-show party featured a DJ set by Quantic
