This year’s Bay Music Awards are set to take place at the Bay Arena, St George’s Bay on 12 December, with the promise of another great show.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of the awards, Bay station manager Terry Farrugia said: “It is quite clear that this amazing event is growing year after year and we have done all we can to make sure that this year’s show is our best ever.”

He added that it was another solid year for the local music scene. “In fact, we have introduced the first ever all local chart show, Malta’s Top 10 with Nathan D. It has been a massive hit and has provided tremendous incentive to local artists,” said Mr Farrugia.

This year’s show will be hosted by Abel and Elinor along with DJ Gianni and Captain Drew. The BMAs will be filmed by Where’s Everybody and will be aired on TVM on 18 December at 8.45pm.

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Newcomer, Best Dance Tune, Best Solo Artist, Best Band, Best Song and the Viewers Choice Award.

There is a new award called the Artists’ Award which will be given to the singer or band that left the biggest on air impression during the past 12 months according to the artists themselves. All nominated artists will be asked to cast their vote. Voting kicked off as from yesterday and will continue until 6 December (midnight). The Viewers’ Choice voting will open during the TV broadcast and will close on 25 December.

The Bay Music Awards are partnered by Bay Mobile, Carlsberg, Pepsi and the Malta Tourism Authority.

The nominees are to be voted for by SMS. There is a mobile number for each category and people voting should send an SMS with the name of the singer/band. All those who vote will have the chance to win various prizes. CDs featuring the entire lineup of musical talent will be available on the night and proceeds will go to the Bay Kids Foundation. Tickets start from e12 and will be available from the Eden Cinemas box office. More information can be found on www.baymobile.com.mt.

Best Newcomer – 5061-5301

Airport Impressions; Cable 35; Christabelle; Muxu; No Snow/No Alps.

Best Dance Tune – 5061-5302

Burning from the inside – Tenishia; Living in the dark – DJ Ruby; Traces – Toby feat. Kristina Casolani; Time of your life – The Vagabond Project.

Best Solo Artist – 5061-5303

Aaron Benjamin; Christabelle; Ira Losco; Jay Omaro; Niki Gravino

Best Band – 5061-5304

Bitterside; Eve Ransom; Salt; Scream Daisy; Winter Moods

Best Song – 5061-5305

A selfish cry – Bitterside; Hang on to your smile – Winter Moods; Idle motion – Ira Losco; Memorise – Chasing Pandora; Sting if you have to – Niki Gravino

Viewers’ Choice – 5061-5306