Tears of joy and sadness as David Stypka takes three posthumous Anděl awards
The late singer-songwritter David Stypka dominated the Anděl Music Awards (the Czech equivalent to a Grammy) handed out at a gala ceremony in Prague’s Veletrzni Palace on Wednesday night.
The late David Stypka posthumously picked up three awards for Best Male Solo Artist, Best Album and Best Song on his album Dýchej which was completed after the singer's death by his bandmates from Bandjeez. Stypka worked as a journalist and graphic artist before making it big with the band Bandjeez. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago and sadly died a few months later.
The award for Best Female Solo Artist went to the Czech-based Polish singer Ewa Farna for her album Umami. Farna, who received four nominations, was the star of this year's awards, dressed in vibrant red and radiating energy as she showed off her new-born baby daughter.
The Band of the Year award went to Mirai for their album Maneki Neko. The band, led by Japanese-born singer and songwriter Mirai Navratil, gained recognition at the Andel awards in 2018 when it won Newcomer of the Year for their debut album Konnichiwa.
Singer Vladimír Mišík who received three nominations for his album Noční obraz, won the folk category. His ailing health prevented him from accepting the award in person.
Amelie Siba won the alternative music category with her CD Love Cowboys. The solo artist was only 17 when she won the Apollo music critics’ award for Czech album of the year for her debut LP called Dye My Hair in 2021. She hasn’t looked back since and is getting rave reviews from the critics.
The Newcomer award went to Annabelle -a Prague singer and rapper passionate about stick-on tattoos and yellow colour. Annabelle studied music in London while also performing at local venues. Her single Runnin’ Out Of F* Time has become a hit on Czech radio stations.
Pianist Ivo Kahánek picked up the Andel award for Classical Music for his recording of Antonin Dvořák’s complete piano works.
Singer, composer and pianist Jaroslav Uhlíř was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
