The Audience Award One of the main awards has now been decided by you the audience. The winner will be announced at the Poll Winners concert in March. A huge thanks to all those who contributed. It was wonderful to see such a wide-ranging list of nominations (left) and the way so many of the musicians have touched your lives.
Here are the bands who were voted onto the final shortlist. Click on each name to read more about them and click on the 'listen' icon to hear a selected track from each band. A large selection of your comments can be found by clicking on the list to the left.
Charlie McCallum, London:
'His stunning voice is stronger than ever. To see him live in December was almost heavenly.'
Stuart Ross, Bath:
'His new album Nothing's in Vain is just sublime and brave.'
Tony Woods, Bradford:
'Fantastic series of albums made for the Senegalese home market and a stunning gig in December in Bradford. Like the current album a return to a more rootsy sound (mostly), rather than going for the Western market.'
David Webb, Swindon:
'He has been at the forefront of the world music scene for many years but his live concerts are still unforgettable and every cd he releases seems to be his best yet.'
Nathan Drury, Maidstone:
'One wet cold morning indoors was suddenly transformed when I listened to Nothing's in Vain. A joyful mood lifting experience!'
Joe Smouha, London:
'This man is responsible for getting me into World Music. When we look back to see when World Music became mainstream (and on Radio 3!) surely he will feature large in that history.'
Daniel Scott:
'I nominate this artist for his powerful vocals and the quality and use of traditional Senegalese instruments and choirs alongside more European sounds on Nothing's In Vain. A truly international artist.'
