Euskal Barrokensemble wins the Etxepare Basque Institute prize at the Musika Bulegoa Awards 2024

At the eighth edition of the Musika Bulegoa Awards, eleven Basque musicians and groups were recognised for their contributions to music. The event, held on 15 May in the Zentral hall in Pamplona, also featured live performances. The Etxepare Basque Institute Award went o Euskal Barrokensemble for cultivating a unique style in early music, for integrating the Basque language and culture with other global cultures, and for its efforts in promoting Basque culture.

The Musika Bulegoa Awards aim to highlight the Basque music industry, promote the work of artists and serve as a platform to publicise and support their contributions. The event was attended by numerous institutional representatives and more than a hundred industry professionals, including musicians, producers, managers and programmers.

To determine the prize winners, the jury, consisting of eight music experts and seasoned professionals, analysed 120 projects and musical proposals created in 2023 by artists and groups from the Basque Country. The nine prize-winners selected by the jury for this eighth edition are:  Bas(h)oan II for ‘Bas(h)oan II’; BilbaoSinfonietta for ‘Arrosa xuriaren artean (A pocket opera by Francisco Domínguez & BilbaoSinfonietta)’; Ibil Bedi for ‘Goldea’; Izaro for ‘cerodenero’; Janus Lester for ‘Ate birakariak’; Maite Arroitajauregi eta Aranzazu Calleja for the soundtrack for ‘Irati’; Rüdiger for ‘The Dancing King’; Zetak for ‘AAZTIYEN’ and Euskal Barrokensemble for their work in promoting Basque culture internationally (Etxepare Basque Institute Award).

These winning projects have been awarded 2,000 euros and a sculpture designed by the artist Fernando Mikelarena.

The biggest novelty this year’s edition was the Audience Award. Music fans had the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist from among the 50 finalist projects via an application. The first prize in this category went to ESAS (Network of Women Composers and Artists).

Finally, the board of directors of Euskal Herriko Musika Bulego Elkartea (EHMBE) awarded an honorary award to Gor Diskak, recognising the record label’s achievements and contributions to Basque music. The Navarra-based label, which ceased operations in 2023, has made history with over 300 records to its credit and played a pivotal role in discovering groups like Berri Txarrak, Manolo Cabezabolo, Exkixu and Ken Zazpi.

"What we’ve had a chance to see and hear today is a true reflection of Basque musical diversity," said Maddi Arana, president of EHMBE. At the awards ceremony held at the Zentral hall in Pamplona, Arana highlighted the wide range of genres, rhythms and melodies represented at the eighth edition of the Musika Bulegoa Awards. The event was attended by both music fans and music industry professionals including managers, producers, and event programmers.

At the awards ceremony, hosted by Ainhoa Vitoria and Julen Telleria, three of the award-winning artists performed live: Ibil Bedi, Izaro and Rüdger. In addition, Janus Lester offered a concert open to the public following the ceremony.

The eighth edition of Musika Bulegoa was sponsored by LABORAL Kutxa and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, with support from the Department of Culture and Linguistic Policy of the Basque Government, the Etxepare Basque Institute, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the Pamplona City Council and Sympathy for the Lawyer. Collaboration was also provided by the SGAE Foundation and Sala Zentral.