The 2018 Icelandic Music Awards were held last night in Harpa’s Silfurberg hall. Pop artist GDRN (Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð Jóhannesdóttir) swept up at the ceremony, taking home four awards. Rapper Auður, who received eight nominations, took home two awards for songwriting and best electronic album, while controversial band Hatari left attendees with a political message.
GDRN took home the awards for best pop album, pop song, and music video of the year, and was awarded best female singer. “When I started making music in 2017 society was changing a lot, the MeToo movement was beginning,” the artist said when accepting the award for best pop album. “I have seen incredible growth among young women today and I wanted to encourage all young women who are watching this now: Let yourselves dream, let yourselves dream really big. It’s possible.”
Rapper Auður won best songwriter and best electronic album for his release Afsakanir (Excuses). Valdimar was chosen as best male singer, also winning for best rock album alongside his band. In classical categories, Víkingur Heiðar won performer of the year and album of the year for Johann Sebastian Bach. Jói Pé and Króli were awarded for best rap album and best rap song.
Hatari, who are representing Iceland at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Israel, accepted the performer of the year award with a political message. Band member Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson stated that although the group were fans of Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, it was time to “clear up for the nation whether Iceland belonged to the countries that ascribe to universal human rights, democracy, and rule of law. We’re a little confused.”
A full list of nominations and winners can be found on RÚV’s website.
