For the fourth year in a row, Pommelien Thijs is the big winner at the Flemish Music Industry Awards, the MIAs, the most important Flemish music awards. With five awards, including “Hit of the Year” for “Atlas” for the fourth consecutive year, she has equalled her record of 2023. After numerous nominations, hip-hop artist Zwangere Guy (translated as ‘Pregnant Guy’) finally won an award. He won two MIAs, as did newcomer Dressed Like Boys.
MIA’s: Dutch-language performers, old favourites and metal honoured at the Flemish Music Industry Awards
Colin Clapson
Published:
For the fourth year in a row, Pommelien Thijs with nine nominations was the overwhelming favourite. And once again, she lived up to expectations. She won five MIAs: all in categories where the winner is chosen by the public at large. Yet another confirmation of her popularity.
Thijs won the MIA for Best Album (“Gedoe”), Best Performer in the Dutch Language, and in the categories Pop, Solo Artist and “Hit of the Year” for “Atlas”.
In addition to Pommelien Thijs, other Dutch-language performers, Bazart, also won an award. For the sixth time since 2016, Bazart won the MIA for Best Group.
Another striking statistic: of the 11 MIA categories in which the public chooses the winners, no fewer than 9 go to artists who perform in Dutch.
The public voted Zwangere Guy Best hip-hop artist. The music sector honoured the video clip for “Gorik pt.2”, the song about the restored family bond with his mother and sister.
New names
In addition to the usual suspects, there are many new names on this year's list of winners. Out of nowhere Dressed Like Boys won two MIAs, the sector awards for Artwork and Songwriter.
After 5 sold out concerts at the AB in Brussels and a great performance at the Pukkelpop festival metal band Amenra wins their first MIA, for Best Live Act.
The MIA for Breakthrough goes to the Belgian and Flemish Eurovision Song Contest entrant Red Sebastian.
Kaat Van Stralen wins in the Alternative category, beating established names Soulwax and Tamino.
Techno DJ Charlotte de Witte finally also wins her first MIA in the Dance category. Before last night’s gala Axelle Red was already assured of her career award.