With the awards taking place this afternoon, RTÉ announced the winners of this year’s Choice Music Prize. Taking home the album of the year award for 2020 is Limerick rapper Denise Chaila for her album Go Bravely. Song of the year was awarded to Niall Horan, formerly of One Direction for his song No Judgement.
Few artists in Ireland had as good a 2020 as Denise Chaila. Songs like ‘Chaila’ and ‘Anseo’, both taken from the award winning album propelled her to TV acclaim, TV performances and plenty of new fans. The rising hip hop artist regularly explores and speaks out about race, charting her Zambian roots in ‘Duel Citizenship’. A hugely exciting artist that should continue to capture attention outside of Ireland following the prize. Chaila also receives a cheque for €10,000, a prize which has been provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA).
A one hour programme of the Choice Music Prize including performances and interviews will be aired on Sunday 14th March, having aired the full awards in the middle of a weekday.
The award’s shortlist was a strong showing for Irish albums, including Ailbhe Reddy and Fontaine D.C.. The likes of Pillow Queens, who released the wonderful, zeitgeist In Waiting may feel unlucky, missing out on both album and song of the year.
Bitch Falcon – Staring at Clocks
Denise Chaila – Go Bravely
Fontaines D.C. – A Hero’s Death
JyellowL – 2020 DIvision
Róisín Murphy – Róisín Machine
Nealo – All The Leaves Are Falling
Pillow Queens – In Waiting
Ailbhe Reddy – Personal History
Niamh Regan – Hemet
Silverbacks – Fad
