Popular troubadour wins annual Culture Award

Klaksvík-based singer/songwriter Hanus G. Johansen has been handed the annual Culture Award and the DKK 150,000 prize that goes with it.

The judging panel said the following about this year’s winner:

"The outstandingly original troubadour Hanus G. Johansen has been singing his way into the hearts of the nation for half a century.

His interpretations of old Faroese ballads have made him an essential part of the rich Nordic folk music tradition.

Hanus G. has played a crucial part in carrying some of the nation’s best poetry over to new generations. These poets include Tummas N. Djurhuus, Bernhard Brim, Hans Jacob Glerfoss and, perhaps most notably, Poul F.”

Another music icon honoured

The mark of honour was awarded to Simme Arge Jacobsen.

The judging panel described Simme’s legacy as follows:

“Simme Arge Jacobsen paved the way for Faroese pop music. His music gave a voice to the Faroese youth, a voice which has stood the test of time.

In 1959, Simme opened his music store, ‘Simme Musikkhús’, which is still going strong. To this day, Simme continues to support and inspire budding musicians across the country.”

Special award for book publisher

Gøta-based publisher Leirkerið was handed a special award.

The judging panel said: ”Leirkerið has since 1982 published a steady stream of inspirational spiritual material in the form of books, hymns and pamphlets.

Run by brothers Zacharias Zachariassen and Flóvin Tyril, Leirkerið has played an essential part in Faroese religious communities, and the extensive material published by Leirkerið has become an indispensable part of Faroese literature and culture.”

Translated by prosa.fo