Nemo, the popular artist known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, has made headlines once again with four nominations at the upcoming 18th Swiss Music Awards. The event is set to take place in Zurich's Hallenstadion on May 28, 2025, where Nemo will not only compete for awards but also perform live.
The nominations for the Swiss Music Awards highlight Nemo's growing influence in the music scene, as he is recognized in four categories: Best Solo Act, Best Streaming Artist, Best Hit for his song "The Code," and Most Rising Artist Social Media. This year, the awards have merged the previous categories of Best Female Act and Best Male Act into a single category called Best Solo Act National, where Nemo will be competing against fellow artists Manillio and Raffa Guido.
Other nominees at this year’s awards include Swiss folk-pop musician Linda Elys, who is nominated for Best Hit for her song "House of Fire" and Best Talent. This marks Elys's first nomination at the Swiss Music Awards, and her song has been described as a "huge radio hit." Meanwhile, the group Stubete Gäng, who won the Best Streaming Artist award last year, is back in contention this year, nominated in both the Best Streaming Artist and Best Group categories. Patent Ochsner, another prominent name in the Swiss music scene, is nominated for Best Live Act and Best Group, having previously won the Best Live Act award in 2024.
The Swiss Music Awards, which honor both established artists and newcomers, will present awards in ten national and four international categories. The event promises to be a grand celebration of Swiss music talent, showcasing a variety of genres and artists.
In a related music scene, Mokotron, also known as Tiopira McDowell, has been making waves in New Zealand after winning the prestigious Taite Music Prize for his debut album, "Waerea." The award ceremony took place at Auckland’s Q Theatre, where Mokotron was recognized for his outstanding creativity in music. He received a cash prize of $12,500 to support his future projects, further solidifying his status as an emerging artist in Aotearoa's contemporary music landscape.
According to Rolling Stone AU, Mokotron's album "Waerea" has been described as a "landmark achievement in Aotearoa’s contemporary music history." The judges praised the album as a "bold and uncompromising statement" and noted its significant artistic merit. One of the standout tracks from the album, "Ōhākī," was written in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting the ongoing discussions around land rights and historical grievances in New Zealand.
Mokotron explained the emotional weight behind "Ōhākī," stating, "'Ōhākī' was written in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth. Our stolen lands are still held in her name. Now that she has died, who will take responsibility for returning these lands to us?" The track features the traditional Māori instrument, the kōauau, a small flute that adds a unique cultural element to the music, layered over a low-end breakbeat and complemented by deep throat singing.
In addition to his recent accolades, Mokotron is also a finalist at the upcoming Aotearoa Music Awards, where he has received nominations for Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and Best Electronic Artist. His rapid rise in the music industry has made him a figure to watch, and his work continues to resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
As both Nemo and Mokotron prepare for their respective awards, the music industry is abuzz with excitement. The Swiss Music Awards and the Aotearoa Music Awards showcase the diverse talent emerging from these regions, celebrating both established artists and newcomers alike. These events not only recognize artistic achievements but also reflect the evolving landscape of music in Switzerland and New Zealand.
With Nemo's four nominations and Mokotron's recent accolades, fans can look forward to an exciting season of music awards, filled with performances and celebrations of creativity and artistry. As the artists gear up for their respective events, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable showcase of talent.
