A new commemorative award will be presented at this year’s Gradaim NÓS in honour of the late Donegal radio icon Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí.
The pioneering Irish language RTÉ broadcaster from Gweedore passed away in September last year, leaving behind a huge legacy of contributions to Irish music and culture.
Rónán was both a friend and hero to Irish language musicians – he inspired up-and-coming artists and also presented Gradaim NÓS over the years.
This year, for the first time, the award for ‘Newcomer of the Year’, will be presented as a fitting tribute to Rónán’s life.
Gradaim NÓS, hosted by the NÓS Irish culture magazine, takes place in Belfast’s Black Box, Friday 9 February.
More than 20 artists have been nominated across 7 categories and represent an impressive range of genres from rock, rap and reggae to ambient, sean-nós and tradtronica.
Some of this year’s nominee’s include Belfast-based tradtronica group Huartan, whose accordion player and Donegal-native Catriona Gribben, received the prestigious Gradam Ceoil Bursary TG4 last year, Rónán Ó Snodaigh + Myles O’Reilly, Kneecap, Bláth na hÓige (featuring Donegal’s Cathal Ó Curráin and Megan Nic Ruairí) and more!
Launched in 2015, Gradaim NÓS are the only awards to focus on artists who create and perform in Irish. Previous winners include Kneecap, Kíla, IMLÉ, Seo Linn and Síle Denvir.
“The variety of bands, singers and creators on the shortlist for Gradaim NÓS 2024 illustrates the vibrancy of the current Irish language music scene,” said Tomaí Ó Conghaile, NÓS founder.
“Music is at the heart of the culture of our language and it is very important to recognise and celebrate those who add to Irish language life in this way. The awards have taken place in Dublin until now so we’re really looking forward to bringing them to Belfast in February.”
As well as the awards themselves some of those nominated on the shortlist will perform during the night: IMLÉ, Grooveline, Huartan, Múlú agus Torby.
