WINNER BOY EDGARPRIJS 2023: MONICA AKIHARY

<strong>Vocalist of Boi Akih receives the most important Dutch prize for jazz and improvised music.</strong> The Boy Edgarprize, the most important prize in the Netherlands in the field of jazz and improvised music, is awarded this year to singer Monica Akihary. During a festive concert night, compiled by Akihary herself, she will officially be presented the bronze sculpture ‘John Coltrane’, created by Jan Wolkers. Monica Akihary is a vocalist and lyricist who’s at home in musical traditions from all over the world. In her work she actively seeks collaboration with various, often young musicians and poets. She sings in English and in Haruku, the language of the Moluccan island where her father was born. For over twenty-five years, Monica Akihary has formed the duo Boi Akih with guitarist-composer Niels Brouwer, performing all over the world. Recently their tenth studio album was released, From and to Infinity. This year Monica Akihary was invited by the North Sea Jazz Festival as a curator. The jury writes: ‘Monica Akihary is a musician who has been active for years in building an exciting oeuvre, collaborating with a wide range of musical partners. She seeks adventure in these daring combinations, and she doesn’t stop when she reaches difficult points. She sets her own course and keeps changing it, taking the musicians and the audience by surprise. She’s a mainstay at Dutch venues and festival, and she maintains an international profile as well. During her live performances, she leaves a deep impression as an improviser and storyteller.’ The prize, awarded by the Fonds Podiumkunsten, is supported by Buma Cultuur, Sena Performers and North Sea Jazz -- (Text and image) https://www.bimhuis.nl/en/calendar/winner-boy-edgarprijs-2023-monica-akihary/