The 2024 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards were held on January 1, 2024, at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking another colorful celebration of Hong Kong's vibrant music scene.
This year’s ceremony, themed "I’m Here to Sing and Dance,” showcased the best of the industry with 40 awards spanning various categories. Winners were determined by both fan voting and professional recommendations, ensuring a broad representation of musical talent.
A standout moment of the evening was the recognition of Ginger Lee, who not only won the gold award for the best female singer but also celebrated her long-awaited return to the stage. Lee thanked her fans emotionally during her acceptance speech, saying, "Thank you for showing the value and meaning of voting!" The support from her audience highlighted the importance of connection between artists and their fans.
Ian, also known as Alan, had remarkable achievements throughout the night, taking home the gold award for the best male singer and the gold for songwriter. He expressed deep gratitude to his mentor, praising the influence of guidance and support received over his career.
The awards didn't just honor the musicians but also set the stage for several captivating performances. Kiri T, who ranked fifth for her heartfelt song, "At Least Do One Crazy Thing," captivated the audience with tears of joy, stating, “I never expected to stand here and thank you all for your support.” The emotion was palpable, as audience members joined her emotionally charged rendition of the song, underscoring the power of music to resonate through personal experiences.
Another notable performance was by Yun Ho Ying, who ranked fourth with her moving piece, "Half Minute of Memories." After her performance, she shared her struggles with self-identity and confidence, humbly expressing, "I don’t know how to introduce myself as I’m not sure if I have recognized success yet.” Her words struck chords with many aspiring artists present, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced within the industry.
Wyman, notable for consistently sharing his thoughts outside of the event, conveyed his hopes for future opportunities through video. He remarked, “This year I hope to get more writing opportunities,” indicating his eagerness to continue contributing meaningful art.
The ceremony not only celebrated individual performances but highlighted collective industry support as well. The success of groups like MIRROR and the achievements of songwriters and producers ensured the night was truly about recognizing the symbiotic relationships within Hong Kong's music scene.
Emotional moments were not scarce as the evening progressed. Several artists broke down when reflecting on their careers and the impact of their music, with many dedicatory speeches filled with heartfelt gratitude directed to families, friends, and fans. One such moment was shared by Sammi Cheng, who thanked everyone for their continued support after winning the award for favorite female singer for the first time in 24 years, stating, "It’s been too long, but you’ve guided me back to this moment.” Her presence served as both nostalgic and inspirational, emphasizing the long-time dedication needed to remain relevant and loved.
Overall, the 2024 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards proved to be not just another accolade event but also one of emotional connection, lasting memories, and hearty celebrations of talent. The performers and winners left with not just trophies, but with the affirmation of their work’s significance within the music community as well as the hearts of many fans.
Whether it was through tears or laughter, each artist embraced their success within the music community's embrace, ensuring the awards ceremony remains not only celebrated but also cherished as part of the cultural fabric of Hong Kong.