The Bay Music Awards nominees for 2007 were yesterday announced at the InterContinental Hotel in St Julian’s.

The BMAs, an activity which has become part of Malta’s events calendar, will be held on 12 December. Bay Radio’s station manager, Terry Farrugia said: “For the fourth time running, the BMAs will feature a fantastic line-up of local talent and will be presented by Bay’s well known twosome Abel and Elinor.”

The nominees for Best Newcomer are: Aaron Benjamin, Eve Ransom, Salt, Thomas Hedley and Uncharted. Best Dance Tune Nominees: Dirty Electro – U-Bahn, Electrophant – Mathematikal, Love is no Possession – J. Joy and Kirsty Hawkshaw, Modulation Error – DJ Ruby and Radiolized – Toby.

Best Solo Artist: Kristina Kasolani, Ivan Filletti, Ira Losco, NV and Jay Omaro. Best Band nominees: Bitterside, The New Harmonics, Scar, Scream Daisy and Winter Moods. Best Song: Bees – Scream Daisy, Marigold – Winter Moods, Souvenir – Eve Ransom and Stolen – Scar.

Recently comeback stars The Characters, who have returned to the scene after a few years of absence, were nominated for the Idol Award – which so moved lead singer Ray Mercieca that he looked close to tears.

Sing for Bay Kids also returns this year with a new line up featuring Jotham, Ivan Filletti, Kristina Kasolani, Brendan Jackson and Carrie. The funds raised from the single will be donated to charitable causes. Voting for the BMAs kicked off yesterday and will run till 6 December at midnight. The Viewer’s Choice Award voting will open during the show on the 12th and will close on 19th December – again at midnight. The event is being sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority, Carlsberg and Go.

To vote, there is an sms number for each category. Voters should send an sms to the relevant number featuring the name of the band/singer or song. To vote for best newcomer send sms to 5061 6890, best dance tune 5061 6891, best solo artist 5061 6892, best band 5061 6893, best song 5061 6894.