Dewa 19 bags the most AMI music awards

JAKARTA (JP): Alternative music group Dewa 19 won six awards at the inaugural Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI) on Saturday night.

In the alternative music category, Dewa 19 -- comprising Ari Lasso, Wong Aksan, Erwin Prasetya, Andra Junaedi and Dhani Manaf -- bagged awards for best song (Kirana), best group and best album (Pandawa Lima, produced by PT. Aquarius Musikindo).

The group was also recognized in the all-rounder category, taking out best album and best song.

AMI 1997 was held at Taman Ismail Marzuki and the event was telecast live by Indosiar.

The event was jointly organized by the AMI Foundation, the Association of Indonesian Music Recording Companies (ASIRI), the Foundation for Indonesian Creative Musical Works (YKCI), and the Foundation for Indonesian Songwriters and Recording Music Arrangers (PAPPRI).

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, who attended the event, was given the Ismail Marzuki Award -- named after the man who revolutionized Indonesian pop music with his own melody, style and lyrics -- for "always promoting Indonesian music inside and outside the country," AMI Foundation Vice President Candra Darusman said.

Moerdiono, who returned a few hours earlier from a long overseas trip accompanying President Soeharto, was visibly touched by the presentation of the award and said the "distinguishing thing" about the AMI was that artists were honored "not based on record sales but on quality music".

The annual Indonesian BASF Music Awards, in contrast, honors artists who sell the most records.

Moerdiono said he was optimistic that "true" Indonesian music would earn its own place in the world music scene.

"Just as jazz from the U.S. and reggae from the black communities catapulted them into the world to leave their marks on other nations, so our own music -- dangdut -- can achieve that kind of recognition," he said.

The Indonesian music industry churns out more than Rp 1 trillion annually, according to AMI Foundation Secretary Tantowi Yahya, who emceed the award presentation with singer/actress Titi Dwijayati. (02)

Winners of AMI 1997 Pop:

Best Female Soloist: Rita Effendy

Best Male Soloist: Chrisye

Best Duo/Group: AB Three

Best Song: Selalu Untuk Selamanya (Forever And Always) written by Capunk.

Best Album: Cinta (Love), Anang and Kris Dayanti.

Rhythm And Blues

Best Soloist: Andre Hehanussa

Best Duo/Group: Forum

Best Song: Khayalanku (My Imagination), written by Tohpati and Iwul Gumulya

Best Album: Sahabat Lama (Old Friend), Humania group.

Rock:

Best Female Soloist: Inka Christie

Best Male Soloist: Heidy Ibrahim

Best Duo/Group: Edane

Best Song: Rinduku Adinda (I Miss You My Lover), Protonema

Best Album: November, by Protonema

Alternative Music:

Best Soloist: Nugie

Best Duo/Group: Dewa 19

Best Song: Kirana, written by Erwin and Dhani

Best Album: Pandawa Lima, Dewa 19 group

Children:

Best Soloist: Enno Lerian

Best Duo/Group: Trio Kwek Kwek

Best Song: Menabung (To Save) written by Titiek Puspa

Best Album: Menabung, Saskia and Geofanny

Dangdut:

Best Female Soloist: Ikke Nurjanah

Best Male Soloist: Rhoma Irama

Best Duo/Group: Manis Manja Group

Best Song: Benang Biru (Blue Thread) written by Fazal Dath

Best Album: Benang Biru, Merrie Z., pt. Blackboard

Country/Ballad:

Best Soloist: Ebiet G. Ade for Kupu-Kupu Kertas (Paper Butterflies)

Best Duo/Group: Kelompok Topeng for Matahariku (My Sun)

Best Song: Perahu Retak (Cracked Boat) written by Franky Sahilatua and Emha Ainun Nadjib

Best Album: Kupu-Kupu Kertas, Ebiet G. Ade

Keroncong Album:Keroncong Aseli, Hetty Koes Endang

Traditional Music Album: Edana Manusa, Doel Sumbang

Production Category:

Best Graphic Designs on Cassette/CD: Johar Prayudhi and Arie Asona, Pandawa Lima

Best Record Music Producer: Younky Soewarno for album Kerinduanku (My Longing)

Best Record Music Operator: Danny Lisapaly in song Gerimis (Drizzling), album Klakustik 1

All-Rounder:

Best Song: Kirana, Dewa 19

Best Album: Pandawa Lima, Dewa 19

Best Recording Artists: AB Three, song Kerinduanku (My Longing)

Best Music Arrangement: Younky Soewarno in Suaramu (Your Voice)

Best Newcomer: Uchie Wiby for album Biru (Blue)