Organizers of the Constantin Prize, France’s equivalent of the U.K.’s Mercury Music Prize, unveiled today the shortlist of its fifth edition, to be held at Paris Olympia on Nov. 15.
The ten nominees are: Abd Al Malik’s “Gibraltar” (Atmosphériques), Anis’ “La Chance” (Virgin/EMI), Ayo’s “Joyful” (Polydor/Universal), Clarika’s “Joker” (Emma Productions/ULM/Universal), Emily Loizeau’s “L’autre Bout du Monde” (Fargo), Grand Corps Malade’s “Midi 20” (Anouche Productions/AZ/Universal), Jehro’s “Jehro” (Superfruit/Recall group), Katerine’s Robots “Après Tout” (Barclay/Universal), Olivia Ruiz’ “La Femme Chocolat” (Polydor/Universal) and Phoenix’s “It’s Never Been Like This” (Virgin/EMI).
Named after the late record company executive Philippe Constantin, who was known for his flair in unearthing major talents, the Prize is open to any French-produced album released between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Only those artists whose previous albums have not reached gold certification in France are eligible. Gold certification in France was reclassified in July from 100,000 units to 75,000 units.
Chaired this year by veteran artist Bernard Lavilliers, the jury of music and media professionals selected ten albums out of 184 submitted.
The ceremony will be aired on national radio France Inter on Nov. 25 and on national TV channel France 2 on Nov. 26. In addition, 40,000 sampler CDs including a song of each nominee will be distributed to customers buying an album of one of the nominees at retail partners Fnac, Virgin or Starter.
Speaking to Billboard.biz at a media gathering Thursday (Oct. 12) to unveil the shortlist, chanson artist Emily Loizeau said her nomination was critical to help reach new audiences. Hip-hop act Abd Al Malink said his nomination was “good for me and for hip-hop: while Constantin prize highlights songwriting skills and chanson, this nomination acknowledges that hip-hop actually belongs to French tradition.”
Last year, the prize was awarded to singer-songwriter Camille, whose last album “Le Fil” (Virgin) has now passed platinum sales.
