FLANDERS FOLK AWARDS 2023

3's a charm! After two online editions, the Flanders Folk Awards can finally be presented live! Find out which bands are going home with the awards for best record, best live band and promise of the past year.

Of course, no award ceremony without live music. On the program are Broes, Naragonia and Hot Griselda. Three top bands that tour internationally and are the crème de la crème of the contemporary Flemish folk scene.

Naragonia

Naragonia brings quirky folk with a refined, solid energy. The duo of Pascale Rubens & Toon Van Mierlo formed spontaneously in the summer of 2003 at the Andanças festival in Portugal. Twenty years later, with 8 albums (very warmly received by the press), Naragonia is gaining respect at home and abroad. They inspire numerous other musicians and many of their songs are played by groups at home and abroad, from Portugal to Russia, from Sweden to the United States.

Broes

Broes is a quintet that stands for rock-solid virtuosity, varied arrangements and punishing ensemble playing. This can also be clearly heard on their new album 'Botanist,' which consists of their own compositions that are very diverse, yet unmistakably form a whole due to their specific sound. With their new repertoire full of fragments of Arab, Irish, French, Balkan and African influences, among others, the musicians of Broes give a unique insight into their musical soul.

Hot Griselda

Hot Griselda is the international collaboration between Belgian folk innovators Jeroen Geerinck & Toon Van Mierlo and top Dutch musicians Kaspar Laval & Stijn van Beek. Kaspar's crisp bouzouki playing combined with Jeroen's deep guitar and bodhran grooves form the rhythmic backbone of Hot Griselda's powerful sound. Over this massive foundation, Stijn and Toon place a whirlwind of melodies. It's guaranteed to be party situated somewhere between a steamy folk session and a full-on rock show. One thing is for sure: Hot Griselda's music will warm you up!