Che Fu Navigates Seven Nods for Top Music Honours

R&B Hip Hop favourite Che Fu scores a leading seven nominations in the 2002 New Zealand Music Awards -the Tuis. The organisers have today announced finalists for the May 10 awards ceremony at Auckland’s St. James Theatre. Others in the front running with multiple nominations are Salmonella Dub and Anika Moa, both with five. The annual Tuis night is presented by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) in association with Coke and has been moved to May in support of NZ Music Month. The awards have celebrated the achievements of successful New Zealand artists for more than three decades, bestowing them with what has become recognised as the industry’s highest accolade. This year there are 24 awards on offer covering the full palate of music preferences. Celebrating our musical diversity has been a goal of the Tuis throughout its history. This year is no exception with the introduction of two new awards reflecting the evolution of the local music scene – Best R&B Hip Hop and Best Electronica. Judging for the awards is a collective effort involving leaders in a wide range of music industry and extended media fields including radio, television and the press. Selection criteria differ depending on the category but the main factors for the New Zealand Music awards remain artistic merit and sales and radio success. “The 2002 Music Awards have to be the most hotly contested ever. We have had seven number one albums during the year and this means there are no sure fire winners in any category. There is a real anticipation as to who the winners will be,” says Terence O’Neill-Joyce, RIANZ Whilst the finalist line-up looks impressive, organisers have also confirmed six major signings to perform at the Awards night. They are Salmonella Dub, Anika Moa, The Feelers, Betchadupa, Goodshirt, and Che Fu. Presenters this year are Erika Takacs and Marcus Lush and local music fans are being urged to book their seats as soon as possible for what is expected to be a sellout event. Ticket prices are only $25 a head and are available through Ticketek 09 307 5000 or www.ticketek.com There is also great news for those who can’t get there with TV2 in association with New Zealand on Air and Coke broadcasting the show later that night. Click here to view the list of finalists.