The Awards – which will be held on 7 December at the Eden Arena – promise to be an unforgettable, spectacular night. Catering for 5,000 local music fans, the awards are set to be one of the biggest music events of the year. “The 89.7 Bay Music Awards is Bay’s way of rewarding the Malta Music Industry – acknowledging their talent and their work and to encourage the influx of higher-quality local acts,” said Bay station manager Terry Farrugia at a press conference held at the InterContinental Hotel. “The talent out there is truly incredible,” he said.

“This is definitely an event which is not to be missed for local music fans,” said Bay Radio Dj Gianni Zammit. Kevin DeCesare from Eden Leisure Group, Bay’s parent company, said the event seems set to become an annual one.

The awards will be complemented by some of 89.7 Bay’s own DJs and – for the first time ever – 89.7 Bay will also be setting up an amazing duel… Malta’s greatest DJs will be Djing their masterpieces against each other. It is the turntable duel between Ruby and J Joy. There are 16 nominees for four categories of awards as well as an 89.7 Bay Icon Award; all nominees will be performing on the night. Categories are Best Newcomer – nominees are Dripht, Indigo, 8 Ugly and Niki Gravino. Voters wishing to cast a vote for this category should send an sms with the name of the act on 50616 741. Another category is Best Solo Artist – nominees are Ira Losco, Indigo, Ivan Filletti and Toby. Voters wishing to vote for this category should send an sms with the name of the act on 50616 742.

Another award will be given to the Best Band. Nominees include Leftplay, Scar, I.Q. and Bitterside; voters should send an sms with the name of the act on 50616 743. The Best Single will also be given an award; nominees include Ivan Filletti’s Cold Heart; Ira Losco’s Who I Am, Leftplay’s Breathe and Dripht’s Mark Barnsley. Voters should send an sms with the name of the song on 50616 744.

In recognition for being the most played local band of all time on 89.7 Bay and their overall contribution to the local music industry, the first ever 89.7 Bay Icon Award will be presented to Winter Moods, who will also perform during the event.

All 89.7 Bay listeners are welcome to vote for their favourite singer/band via SMS.

All those voting have the opportunity to win two vouchers for a one-night stay at the InterContinental Hotel (Malta); two vouchers for dinner for two at the Harruba Restaurant; two vouchers for dinner for two at the Soprano Restaurant; one mobile phone with a Vodafone line.