DUSHANBE, January 8, Asia-Plus  -- Some changes have been made to the third ceremony of the Surudi Sol (Song of Year) Music Award held by the Ministry of Culture (MoC).  

Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, Abdulhofiz Qodiri, stage director of the Surudi Sol ceremony, said, “This year, not only variety singers but also representatives of other musical genres, including folk music, will be selected as recipients for the Surudi Sol Award.”  

However, rappers and rock musicians cannot be nominated for the Surudi Sol Award because “these musical genres are not officially recognized in our country,” the stage director said.   

The third ceremony of the MoC-run Surudi Sol Music Award is expected to be held this year in March.   

We will recall that Radio Asia-Plus was the first to hold the music award ceremony under the name of Surudi Sol.  The first ceremony of Radio Asia-Plus Music Award was held in 2003 under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.  In all, radio Asia-plus hosted three Surudi Sol ceremonies from 2003 to 2005.  The winner of the Asia-Plus Surudi Sol Music Award was selected annually by a hit parade on Radio Asia-Plus.  The best known and favorite Tajik performers took part in the competition and listeners voted for the 15 most popular songs.  It is always recognized by spectators as one of the most outstanding shows in Tajikistan.

In 2006, it was decided to hold the Surudi Sol Music Award at higher level and since that time, the MOC has hosted the Surudi Sol Music Award ceremony.  Radio Asia-Plus now holds the Music Award ceremony under the name of Navoi Dil.