THE winner of Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award 2019, was tonight (Friday 6 September) announced as Auntie Flo for the album ‘Radio Highlife’.
As Auntie Flo played to thousands of fans on stage at Skye Live Festival in the North of Scotland, it was announced in the Scottish capital that Auntie Flo’s ‘Radio Highlife’ is this year’s Scottish Album of the Year. Accepting The SAY Award on Auntie Flo’s behalf, Tour Manager + driver plus DJ and promoter of Glasgow’s Healthy club night, Phil Connor read from a napkin of words written by Brian d’Souza that said: “It’s been a privilege to document 7 years of adventuring around the globe in this record. It has taken me everywhere from Cuba to South Africa to East Asia. Thank you to everyone who made that happen over the years.”
Robert Kilpatrick, General Manager of the Scottish Music Industry Association said: “A huge congratulations to Auntie Flo for winning 2019’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award for the incredible ’Radio Highlife’.
“This year’s campaign saw 293 eligible albums submitted, the highest number of any SAY Award campaign to date. Not only does this highlight the fact that Scotland’s recorded output is in great health, but it also shows that in spite of being in the age of algorithm-driven playlists, the album as a format still deeply matters to both artists and music fans.
“Albums remain the best delivery mechanism for artists to truly showcase their creative output and artistic identity. I’m incredibly proud that year-on-year, The SAY Award continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing the undeniable talent and diversity of Scottish artists and illuminating our music scene with the ambition, credibility and commitment it so richly deserves.
“A huge congratulations to each of this year’s Shortlisted artists on outstanding album releases, and thank you for playing such an important part in Scotland’s ever-evolving and inspiring cultural identity as a nation.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “‘Radio Highlife’ is absolute proof that Scotland’s music travels a two-way street with the rest of the world. Brian d’Souza as brought the sunshine of Africa into The SAY Award and gives us a worthy winner. Congratulations to him and to all of the Shortlisted nominees.”
Held in the magnificent Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh for the very first time, an audience of artists, esteemed industry figureheads and engaged music fans from all over the UK gathered at the glittering final award ceremony in a stunning celebration of Scotland’s flourishing music scene. Presented by co-hosts Vic Galloway and Nicola Meighan, the night ended in style with the announcement that Auntie Flo was the winner of the prestigious award, as well as the lucrative £20,000 prize.
