Su Music Awards 2023: A Decade of Musical Excellence Celebrated in Suriname

After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated Su Music Awards made a triumphant return to Suriname on Friday, December 1st. The event, which started as a modest gathering in 2013, has blossomed over the past decade into a significant cultural spectacle that honors a multitude of music categories, styles, cultures, and languages.

A Night of Dazzling Performances

The evening shone bright with outstanding performances from artists like Naomi Sastra, winner of the Motivational Female Award; Kennia Dominni, who took home the New Coming Female and Best Gospel awards; and Powl Ameerali, awarded for Best Written Song, among many others who swept the audience off their feet with their engaging acts.

The most awards of the night went to the artist known as Psycho, who claimed five prestigious awards, including Artist of the Year, Best Male, Best Dancehall, Best Live Act, and Record of the Year, thrilling the crowd with his dynamic presence.

Honoring an Artist of the Decade

A special accolade, the Su Music Ultimate Artist of the Decade 2013 – 2023, was bestowed upon Nisha Madaran who has won 22 Su Music awards over the period, securing her place as an icon in Surinamese music history. Her achievements include multiple awards from other organizations and recognition from governments in Suriname, the Netherlands, and India. Nisha Madaran has also been instrumental in uniting people of different backgrounds through her music collaborations.

The organizers declared their intention to present this prestigious award every 5 to 10 years to encourage artists to consistently produce high-quality music and not wane after initial successes.

Commitment to Future Celebrations

Roberto Banel, the driving force behind the event, expressed his determination to not only continue the Su Music Award shows but also to enhance appreciation for the arts and culture sectors with more initiatives planned for 2024. Despite the lack of official backing, Banel emphasized the invaluable support from the business community that appreciates and supports the arts, allowing for continued recognition of hardworking artists.

The awards, assessed by a professional jury, ran the gamut from Best Kawina Band to Ultimate Artist of the Decade, reflecting the diverse talent pool within Suriname’s vibrant music scene.

awards, music, culture