José Cid has been honored with the Career Award by Audiogest, an organization representing the rights of multinational, national, and independent music publishers in the promotion of PLAY awards. The award was presented by television host Júlio Isidro and the Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos.
Júlio Isidro reminisced about the memories he has shared with his “friend” over the past 60 years, followed by the screening of a short film depicting the life and career of the 83-year-old musician. Cid is celebrated for hits like “Ontem, hoje e amanhã,” “Cabana junto à praia,” “A minha música,” “Cai neve em Nova York,” “Favas com Xóriço,” and “Como o macaco gosta de banana.”
Taking the stage before receiving the award, José Cid praised Portuguese music, particularly the “new Portuguese music,” calling it “in great health and highly recommended.”
“Our generation left a legacy that you have presented very well,” said Cid, addressing musicians of newer generations.
He also recalled that he might be “one of the most awarded performers in Portuguese music history,” paying tribute to “the greatest singer of his generation who has already passed: José Afonso.”
Taking advantage of the presence of “cultural policy people” in the audience, Cid suggested that José Afonso be nominated for “a Nobel Prize in poetry and music.”
Later, while receiving the award from Alberto Santos, José Cid reiterated his appeal: “Continue to fight for the idea that José Afonso deserves to win a Nobel Prize, always.”
At the ceremony, broadcast live on several RTP channels including radio, television, and online, awards were presented in 14 categories.
Among the most nominated at this 7th edition were rappers Plutónio and Dillaz and the band Capitão Fausto, each with three nominations. However, only Dillaz won a PLAY for Best Album with “O Próprio.”
Calema triumphed for the third consecutive year with the PLAY for Best Group. Slow J was awarded Best Male Artist, a title he had won in the 2nd and 6th editions. Bárbara Bandeira reclaimed the Best Female Artist award, having also won it last year. Bluay received the Breakthrough Artist award, dedicating it “to everyone who, against the odds, is winning.”
The Critics’ Award, chosen by a panel of music journalists, went to Ana Lua Caiano for her debut album “Vou ficar neste quadrado,” highlighting the singer and multi-instrumentalist’s achievement.
“Ao vivo no CCB — Homenagem a José Mário Branco” by Camané won the Best Fado Album category. The Best Jazz Album went to “Not far from paradise” by Eduardo Cardinho, and Best Classical/Erudite Music Album to “Talkin(g) (a)bout my generation” by Pedro Lima.
“Cavalinho” by Pedro Sampaio and Gasparzinho secured the Lusophone Award, while “Vou beijar na boca” by Toy was named Best Light and Popular Song.
Upon receiving the PLAY, Toy remarked that the last prize he received on RTP, which was broadcasting the ceremony live, was in 1990 at the Festival da Canção.
“I would like to have more awards, but I would trade them all for peace in Palestine and peace in Ukraine,” he stated.
The Best Music Video category was won by “Laurinda” by Karetus, featuring Vitorino and iolanda, directed by Aidan Kless.
In the only category determined by public vote, Song of the Year went to “Garota” by Maninho, featuring Marisa Liz.
The 7th edition of the PLAY ceremony included various performances, notably by Bárbara Bandeira who debuted several tracks from her newly released EP “Lusa: ato I” and Calema.
Guitarist Marta Pereira da Costa performed with fado singers Lina and Marco Rodrigues, band Toka & Dança with Toy, 4 Mens, and Rui Bandeira, and artist Mizzy Miles took to the stage with Diogo Piçarra, SleepyThePrince, Agir, and Nenny.
Bluay, iolanda, Bandidos do Cante, and Buba Espinho joined for a tribute performance honoring José Cid.
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