Respect for predecessors

In 2007, Yannick Hiwat (b. 1988) graduated cum laude from high school in Rotterdam having studied music at the advanced level. He then went to Fontys Conservatory in Tilburg and finally honed his jazz violin playing under Tim Kliphuis. In 2013, Dutch music critics, bookers and professional musicians voted Hiwat “Duvel Vibes Soul & Jazz Talent”. He is known for his work with Pete Rock, Chilly Gonzales, Snarky Puppy and Re:Freshed Orchestra, but most definitely for his own Yannick Hiwat Quintet. Hiwat was awarded the composition project because of his contemporary style that brings together various disciplines, ranging from classical music to jazz, soul and hip-hop.

Hiwat's composition Frimangron focuses on the theme of freedom. Frimangron is a neigh- borhood of Paramaribo and loosely translated it means “land of the free people”. With some of his closest fellow musicians, Yannick provides us with a glimpse into his sound world, showing deep respect for his predecessors in folklore, soul, gospel, hip-hop and jazz.

The composition commission jury consisted of Raluca Baicu (programmer for Bird, De Doelen and North Sea Round Town, Rotterdam), Maaike Teunissen (programmer for Brebl, Nijmegen) and Nada Mounzer (executive producer at NTR, Hilversum). The members were of one mind: Hiwat is broadening the Dutch canon with his new sound and personal signature. In addition, he shows courage by treading paths that are yet untrodden in the Netherlands.

The aim of the Paul Acket Award “Artist Deserving Wider Recognition”, named after the founder of North Sea Jazz, is to showcase exceptional jazz musicians who deserve greater recognition and a wider audience for their work. Previous winners include Kris Davis (2022), Julian Lage (2019), Kaja Draksler (2018), Donny McCaslin (2017) and Cécile McLorin Salvant (2016). This year, North Sea Jazz is introducing a European Edition, which is to be repeated every four years.

The nominees were selected by a jury consisting of Alberto Ibarrondo (Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain), Anne Erm & Eva Saar (Festival Jazzkaar, Estonia), Jaïr Tchong (KAAP Arts Centre, Belgium), Øyvind Larsen (Oslo Jazz Festival, Norway) and Brent Oostrum (TivoliVredenburg/ Transition Festival, Netherlands).

The jury nominated 24 musicians, after which over 100 Dutch and international jazz critics and programmers cast their votes.

PAUL ACKET AWARD