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.
Martin Hills, Chichester:
'A charismatic, exciting and engaging performer, the greatest living tabla player and at the forefront of mainstream and Indian fusion music for thirty years. Also a member of currently the finest world music group, Shakti.'
Tridiv Borah:
'The greatest percussion player of all time.'
Amar Nathwani, Carshalton:
'A major force in world music.'
Linda Bailey, Worthing:
'A true master of his instrument, he continues to enthrall his audience.'
David Bailey, Worthing:
'Listening to him is a deeply moving and exhilarating experience.'
