Anyone who has followed the The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award of late will know the script by now.
That’s the one where the monumental and utterly brilliant Young Fathers walk away with the spoils; they’ve been successful on the past two occasions. And with a record as sublime this years’ ‘Heavy Heavy’, there was no danger that they wouldn’t reign supreme at SAY’s 2023 event.
Hosted by Nicola Meighan and Vic Galloway, the SAY event saw Scotch newcomers and oldies celebrate the very best of Scottish music – past, present and future. Young Fathers now tick all these boxes. They again picked up the gong for Scottish Album of the Year at this year’s ceremony, which took place at Stirling’s Albert Halls. To say they deserved the award would be the understatement of the century.
In typically Edinburgh-esque slang, Alloysious Massaquoi of Young Fathers said…
“It’s a bit radge! The album is called ‘Heavy Heavy’ for a reason, it’s the trials and tribulations of everybody. It’s one of those things where we sort of had to start from scratch, it had been four or five years since we put something out since ‘Cocoa Sugar’. For us to get back together and get excited again with each other, all the ideas that everybody else brings – it’s great and this is topping off a great year.
“We did two shows at the Barras and I think the Scottish crowd is one of the best – it’s always nice to come to these places because it feels very homely! So it’s mad, it’s topping off a great year for the guys and I. One has responsibilities – he’s got two bairns so he’s not allowed out.I want to take a whole bunch of shots but I’m a lightweight so I just want to watch myself!”
Read the Clash review of Young Fathers show at Glasgow Barrowlands.
Young Fathers claimed the title ahead of an impressive shortlist including Paolo Nutini, Becky Sikasa, Joesef and others, taking home a healthy cheque for their troubles. The only shame upon the evening was that Young Fathers didn’t give us a tune. So it goes.
The wonderful duo of No Windows was named The Sound of Young Scotland, winning a funding package to create their debut album. No Windows said, “Thanks so much to The SAY Award for this award. If you couldn’t tell, we didn’t write anything – it’s such an honour to just be here. We were just happy for the day out. Scotland right now is such an exciting time and place for music and it feels like a complete honour to be a part of that and be part of such an incredible group of musicians.”
Paisley’s own Paolo Nutini also got attention for his debut record ‘These Streets’, which was awarded the Modern Scottish Classic Award, with singer-songwriter’s manager and sister taking to the stage to accept the award on Paolo’s behalf (he’s currently in the US).
Thanks to all @sayaward last night. An honour being nominated and sharing the night with these inspiring artists. Congratulations on your wonderful LPs. Praise be to the inimitable Young Fathers on another mighty record. Luck and goodness to you all. 🙌✌️ pic.twitter.com/6wGuPTmz29
— Andrew Wasylyk (@A_Wasylyk) October 27, 2023
Each Shortlisted album was celebrated on the night with acts including Joesef, Bemz, Andrew Wasylyk and more collecting their awards onstage and recognising the incredible talent on offer from this year’s list.
Follow the award on social media across Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward, Facebook @SAYaward and TikTok @thesayaward
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Words: Ray Jackson
