Everybody was expecting 10 February 2008 would be something else since there were lots of talking and promises going on, but I guess it was just like any other previous show with few modifications.
On that day, the 5th National Music Awards (for the year 2007) event took place at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (named after Alexander Spentiarian). President Robert Kocharian attended the ceremony.
Last year’s 15-jury voting system did not work out properly, so the idea of the sealed envelopes was re-introduced. The jury included people from different categories and professions. They studied nominations of each category and made their decision accordingly. Personally, I think there were some fabricated awards, which lead to unfair outcomes. I came to this conclusion while watching the show.
I thought that the live performance system was going to be back, as it had good results in 2005, but apparently, there was an experienced sound engineer sitting behind the stage, inserting the right CD track for each artist, so that he/she can lip-synch very well. The only two live performances were by duduk player Gamo Seyranian and the one that Sirusho made with pianist Vahag Hayrabedian; she sang an acoustic new version of “Heranum em” (I’m leaving) with nice improvisations. People liked it and expressed their feeling with laud applauses at the end of the song. Nune Yesaian’s “Parev” (Hello) performance was very impressive, but I did not know why the orchestra bothered itself to come and play if she did not sing it live!
New songs from
Garine Asirian, Nara, Sofi Mkheian, Razmig Amian, Shprot, Dikran Bedrosian and Hayko were performed for the first time during that night besides a new duet from Shushan Bedrosian and Arsen Krikorian.
Arame: Best pop male singer
Hasmig Garabedian appeared with an ethnic genre song called “Gragi Bar” (Fire dance) accompanied by a nice show. Emmy had a similar appearance with her song “Gamurchner” (Bridges) written by famous composer Arno Babadjanian and dedicated to Yerevan.
The funniest performance was the medley of five Arsen Krikorians, which are: Mrro, Aso, Duduk player, Arsen (composer & singer) and Arsen (TV host and lately singer). Each Arsen performed the song of another Arsen Krikorian, something that made it unique and funny as well. It ended with the announcing of the special award for Best Arsen Krikorian, and the winner was from … the audience, a completely another Arsen Krikorian, who, as profession, had nothing to do with music, but as a physician liked to hear the works of friends who carry same name.
Let us review the given awards:
- Best pop male singer: Arame.
- Best pop female singer: Sirusho.
- Pop newcomer of the year (an award named after Vartuhi Vartanian): Vartan Badalian.
- Best pop group: Armenoids.
- Pop album of the year: Hayko “Mi Khoskov” (In one word).
- Best video clip: “Yete du gnas” (If you go away) by Emmy & Super Sako, the award went to director Hrach Keshishian.
- Hit of the year went to Sofi Mkheian for her “Ore yev nergan” (Today and present).
Hadug Nshanagutian Yerker project (Special Award)
The inclusion of new categories such as classical, popular and jazz music was the only positive thing in this year’s Music awards, and the prizes went like this:
- Classical newcomer of the year: State Youth Ensemble of Armenia.
- Best classical project: “Live at Stepanagerd, Artsakh” by Armenian National Chamber Orchestra.
- Best jazz project went to the “10th Anniversary Concert”, dedicated to the Armenian State Jazz Band.
- Best folk / patriotic group: Agunk Ensemble.
- Best folk album: Anna Mayilian “Ethno Vocal”.
- Best folk male singer: Arsen Krikorian (Mrro).
- Best folk female singer: Anna Mayilian.
Special Awards:
- Dikran Naghdalian Prize went to Hayko for writing the soundtrack of movie “Mi Vakhetsir” (Don’t be afraid).
- A special prize was awarded to the wife of late DJ Setrag Tavitian for his contribution to the field of radio.
- Sharm Company for the project “Hadug Nshanagutian Yerker” (Special Songs) dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Armenian Army.
- Shant TV for its “People’s Singer” project.
- Armen Tutunjian for the “Jazz Time” program on “Nor Alik” Channel.
- State Youth Ensemble of Armenia for their concert in Berlin, conductor Sergey Smpadian.
In my opinion, Dikran Naghdalian Prize should have been given to another category. I’m not underestimating the work of Hayko as a composer in “Mi Vakhetsir” soundtrack, but it would have been a better choice, if the prize was given to - say - “Hover” Choir (for their efforts in preserving Armenian classical and sacred music) or to Arevik Ensemble (for winning the 2nd position in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest).
Another special award should be given to those involved in the music industry, such as the Abide Armenian Music Center, which keeps producing good quality Armenian music, in authorized packages, thus fighting piracy attempts.
Late DJ Setrag Tavitian
People who either attended the show or watched it from the convenience of their residences noticed two remarkable issues: First, Ani Christy’s absence. She had two nominations: Album of the year and Best pop female singer, but did not win any of them. Now the question is why she did not appear that night or at least participate in the performances.
Second issue is why the representative of Eurovision Song Contest should (always) be winner of best male / female of the year or vice versa?
Two questions whose answers remain vague to us.
I wish next year the show will be more organized, with prizes given on a more fairly basis. Artists also should realize that there is no need for competition in getting a prize. Such events conclude the work of a complete year and what every artist has done during that year should receive proper recognition or appreciation.
IF I WERE THE JURY
If I were the jury, I would have given the following awards to certain categories:
- Best pop female singer: Ani Christy.
- Pop new comer of the year: Noro.
- Pop album of the year: Sirusho “Hima” (Now) or Ani Christy “Three dots”.
- Best video clip: Hayasdan by Arman Hovhanisian, director Arthur Vartanian or “5 rope” by Arsen, director Arsen.
- Hit of the year: Apsos by Arsen Krikorian.
- Best jazz project: Time Report “Live in concert”
- Best folk / patriotic group: Shoghagan Ensemble.
Souvenirs
