Radio network Radio City awarded fresh and independent music artists across the country on 28 March 2019 at the Radio City Freedom Awards (RCFA) show. The event held at Glocal Junction in Mumbai was hosted by VJ Ramona Arena. Indie music enthusiasts entered into an open competition across genres like Hip-Hop/Rap, Folk Fusion, Pop, Rock, Metal and Electronica in the competition. The contestants weren’t restricted to any specific language or region. Radio City Freedom Awards 6’ honoured finalists after 6 LIVE gigs across six cities followed by a grand finale night.
Performers and artists such as Prateek Kuhad, Sanam, Emiway Bantai, Ankur Tewari and others were honoured. The jury consisted of Atul Churamani, MIDIval Punditz, Luke Kenny, Yotam Agam & Nandini Srikar. The award show astounded the audience by the powerhouse performances of Monica Dogra, Emiway Bantai, Antarman and DJ Pash. The non-music categories were also honoured, which included Best Album Art, Best Video, Best Indie Collaboration, Best Young Indie Artist and Indie-Genius: Person of the Year awards.
Since 2013, Radio City Freedom Awards has remained a significant platform for Indie music enthusiasts, with aspiring musicians getting a chance every year to participate, compete and showcase their talent. This time, the RCFA season saw unprecedented 1,200 candidates participating in different genres of music. The selection depended upon the votes received by the loyal fan following of indie music lovers.
Commenting on the success of the season, Rachna Kanwar, COO, Digital Media, Jagran Prakashan Limited, said: “Radio City Freedom Awards is now undoubtedly the biggest platform for bringing fresh and untapped talent to the forefront. We are truly delighted to have surpassed engagement and participation levels for RCFA 6 with 1200 participants across the country. This is a testament to the massive talent pool which India has to offer.”
She added: “As we culminate the power-packed season, a big thank you to our Jury and the entire music community, and especially to the fabulous new talent that never ceases to impress! We are grateful for all the love and support we have received, and look forward to entertaining music lovers with many more seasons to come.”
Winners of Radio City Freedom Awards 6
Best Pop: Prateek Kuhad – Cold/Mess (Jury Choice); Sanam – Itni Door (People’s Choice)
Skoda Indie-Genius Person of the Year: Ankur Tewari (Jury Choice)
Best Video: Prateek Kuhad – Cold/Mess(Jury Choice)
Best Hip Hop: Brodha V – Way Too Easy (Jury Choice); Emiway Bantai – Jump Kar (People’s Choice)
Best Metal: Against Evil – All Hail The King (Jury Choice); Against Evil – All Hail The King (People’s Choice)
Best Rock: The Local Train – Vaaqif (Jury Choice); Coma Rossi – Turn Back Time (People’s Choice)
Album Art: Paradigm Shift – Sammukh (Jury Choice)
Indie Collaboration: VS42 x DeeMC x Siri x Kavya & Kriti – Tu Bas Naach (Jury Choice)
Young Indie: Calico – Garnet Eye (Jury Choice)
Best Electronic: VS42 x DeeMC x Siri x Kavya & Kriti – Tu Bas Naach (Jury Choice); Zingaroe – Defuse (People’s Choice)
Best Folk Fusion: Agam – Rangapura Vihaara (Jury Choice); The Thayir Sadam Project – A Crazy Little Thing Called Chakravakam (People’s Choice)