Vano Baby has once again claimed the title of “Artist of the Year” at the prestigious Benin Top 10 awards, marking his third consecutive win in this celebrated competition. The rapper was honored on December 19, 2024, during the sixteenth edition of the event, which recognizes the finest talents in Beninese music. His hit song ”Fitè” played a pivotal role in securing this accolade, as praised by the jury lead by media and music expert Eric Agondjihossou. Alongside Vano Baby, other notable winners included T-Gang as Artist Listener and Opa as Best Newcomer, showcasing the vibrant and diverse music scene in Benin. The awards not only celebrate artistic excellence but also provide notable promotional opportunities for the winners throughout the coming year.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special feature on the vibrant world of Beninese music! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Eric Agondjihossou, a respected media and music expert, to discuss the important achievements of Vano Baby, who recently claimed the “Artist of the Year” title for the third time at the Benin Top 10 awards. Eric, can you tell us more about this event and its importance in the music industry in Benin?
Eric Agondjihossou (EAG): Thank you for having me! The Benin Top 10 awards are a cornerstone of our music industry, celebrating the finest talents and promoting artistic excellence. This year, on December 19, 2024, during its sixteenth edition, Vano Baby once again showcased his dominance in the industry, primarily due to the success of his hit song “Fitè.” Such events not only recognize top performers but also elevate the entire music scene in Benin,creating visibility for emerging artists and established names alike.
TNE: It’s impressive to see Vano Baby achieve this remarkable feat. What do you think has contributed to his consecutive wins?
EAG: Vano Baby is a master at connecting with his audience. His songs resonate deeply with listeners, and “Fitè” is a prime example of that emotional connection. Moreover, his consistent quality and innovation in music have solidified his fan base. Winning the artist of the Year title three times in a row highlights not only his talent but also his hard work and dedication to his craft, adapting to trends while maintaining his unique style.
TNE: Besides Vano Baby, who were some of the other notable winners this year, and why do you think their recognition is important?
EAG: This year, T-Gang was honored as Artist Listener, and Opa received the Best Newcomer award. Recognizing artists like T-Gang and Opa is crucial for the industry as it encourages diversity and innovation. It shows that the music scene is not just about established stars but also about nurturing new talent.This recognition provides them with promotional opportunities and motivates them to continue evolving.
TNE: How do these awards impact the careers of the winners, especially in terms of promotional opportunities?
EAG: Winning at the Benin Top 10 awards considerably enhances an artist’s profile. It opens doors for collaborations, performances, and media exposure throughout the year. Artists can leverage this visibility to reach broader audiences, which is essential in today’s digital music landscape. With more platforms emerging, being recognized can provide a significant boost in streaming numbers and social media engagement.
TNE: What advice would you give to upcoming artists looking for recognition in competitions like the Benin Top 10 awards?
EAG: I would encourage aspiring musicians to focus on honing their craft and staying authentic to their voice. Engaging with the community and building a fan base through live performances or social media is also vital. Consistency in releasing quality music,along with a unique brand identity,is paramount. Networking with industry professionals and peers can create opportunities that are often crucial for breakthroughs.
TNE: what does Vano Baby’s continued success mean for the future of Beninese music?
EAG: Vano Baby’s ongoing achievements herald a shining future for Beninese music.His success sets a benchmark for other artists, showing that hard work and creativity can lead to recognition on larger platforms. It also emphasizes the importance of our local music, inspiring young talents to pursue their dreams and innovate within the genre. As the music scene continues to grow,we can expect to see benin making waves internationally.
TNE: Thank you,Eric,for sharing your insights! It’s clear that events like the Benin Top 10 awards play a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape. We look forward to seeing how these talented artists continue to evolve in the coming years.