24.01.2012 11:24

EMA at the European Border Breakers Music Awards 2012

EMA members Lilia Kozak and Nadia Ptachenko report from Groningen, the Netherlands on the ceremony of the European Border Breakers Music Awards

On the night of 11 January 2012, the Cultural Centre De Oosterpoort in Groningen (NL) hosted the annual European Border Breakers Music Awards. This year the EBBA Awards were presented on the eve of the renowned Eurosonic Noorderslag festival which took place from 11.–14. January. 

The European Commission has been organising this event for the last nine years rewarding musicians on the bases of the number of albums sold outside their national territory. With this award the European Commission spotlights emerging European artists and groups and shows how European music brings people together and forges mutual understanding.

The EBBA winners 2012 are: Elektro Guzzi (Austria), Selah Sue (Belgium), Agnes Obel (Denmark), Ben l'Oncle Soul (France), Boy (Germany), James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland), Afrojack (Netherlands), Alexandra Stan (Romania), Swedish House Mafia (Sweden), Anna Calvi (UK).

The show was emceed by TV personality and musician Jools Holland and included spectacular live performances by Boy, Agnes Obel, James Vincent McMorrow, Elektro Guzzi, Selah Sue and Anna Calvi. Alexandra Stan was also present to collect her award. Swedish House Mafia, Ben l'Oncle Soul and Afrojack thanked and greeted their fans via video messages. 

Selah Sue also won the Public Choice Award which was presented as a result of voting through traditional and online media organised in November and December. The award was handed out by Ann Branch, Head of Unit, Culture Programme and Actions, DG EAC, European Commission, which co-funds the awards through its Culture programme.

The show was broadcast live via YouTube and will be screened on TV and internet throughout Europe in the coming year.

For more information visit the website.