Problem Patterns and Jordan Adetunji were among the names to win big at the twelfth edition of the Northern Ireland Music Prize in Belfast last night.
Rounding off this year’s Sound of Belfast programme, the annual awards ceremony – which launched back in 2013 to celebrate NI music across several awards – took over the Ulster Hall for one of its strongest outings to date.
As well as live performances by the likes of Tramp, Dana Masters and Oh Yeah Legend award recipient, Eric Bell, the night saw queer punks Problem Patterns walk away with the big one – Best Album – for their debut LP, Blouse Club.
Elsewhere, Jordan Adetunji scooped the Music Video of the Year for the Grammy-nominated ‘Kehlani’ and Huartan – who also performed earlier in the evening – took Live Act of the Year.
Elsewhere, Esmeralda Road won the BBC ATL Introducing Artist of the Year, JC Stewart was awarded Single of the Year, and much-missed BBC broadcasting legend Gerry Anderson was honoured with a posthumous Outstanding Contribution to Music award.
Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, who organise the prize each year, said: “Every year we think there’s no way we can top that one, and we do. A very proud night for NI Music. Massive. Congratulations to all the winners, performers and to everyone involved. The Ulster Hall rocked, raged, sparked, fizzed and filled out hearts tonight.”
