Chimo Bayo is set to be one of the recipients at the 17th edition of the National Music and Arts Awards Pop Eye, taking place for the first time at the Palau de les Arts in Valencia on May 25. The ceremony gathers artists from multiple disciplines to celebrate standout contributions in the cultural scene. Chimo Bayo’s inclusion reflects his enduring impact on the electronic music landscape in Spain and his influence that extends well beyond one hit single.
In particular, the jury recognizes the DJ as a pioneer and a central figure in techno in Spain. His international recognition grew with the huge success of “Así me gusta a mí,” a track that became an anthem transcending the electronic music world and embedding itself in the musical memory of a generation, both inside and outside the genre. His career is closely tied to the Bakalao movement, a pivotal chapter in the country’s music history that saw thousands of young people celebrate electronic sound across venues and scenes. Beyond the studio and the club, the Valencian artist has become a familiar face on television and is coauthor of the memoir No iba a salir y me lié, written with journalist Emma Zafón. These elements showcase a career that has helped shape national popular culture in both music and media. Fuente: Premios Nacionales de la Música y las Artes-Pop Eye.
Birds Are Indie, the Portuguese group from Coimbra formed in 2010, will also receive an award in this edition. The duo is led by Joana Corker and Ricardo Jerónimo, who decided to fuse three chords into a song and shouted out to their friend Henrique Toscano to bring it to life. The collaboration embodies a minimal yet compelling approach to indie rock, where simplicity and spontaneity drive creative experiments that resonate with audiences across borders. The band’s presence in the awards highlights how the European indie scene continues to flourish through intimate, guitar-driven arrangements that connect with listeners on a personal level. Fuente: Premios Nacionales de la Música y las Artes-Pop Eye.
These awards convene yearly, bringing together artists from diverse cultural disciplines who have stood out throughout their careers. The jury is chaired by Juan Pedro González Bonilla, president of the Asociación Cultural Bon Vivant, and includes prominent figures from Spanish culture such as Cayetana Guillén Cuervo, Fernando Colomo, Carlos del Amor, Merche Yoyoba, Tomás Fernando Flores, Rebeca Argudo, Jesús Cimarro, Isabel Múñoz, Mariví Ibarrola, Óscar Mariné, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Benjamín Prado, Rosa Montero, César Antonio Molina, Ana Belén, Jeanette, Micky Carreño, Javier de Juan, Antonio Najarro, Manuel Outumuro, Estrella Morente, José Luis Garci, Ariel Eructo, Roberto Verino, Sara Núñez de Arenas, Julio Ruiz, Antonio Gárate and Alberto García-Alix. This constellation of contributors underscores the breadth of cultural excellence recognized by the awards and underscores the event’s role as a hub for artistic achievement across disciplines. Fuente: Premios Nacionales de la Música y las Artes-Pop Eye.
Birds Are Indie
In addition to their musical peers, the Portuguese duo Birds Are Indie will be honored in this edition. The Coimbra-based act, formed in 2010, is propelled by the partnership of Joana Corker and Ricardo Jerónimo. Their creative spark came from a simple idea: three chords and a song that could be shouted to a friend, Henrique Toscano, resulting in a track that captures a spontaneous, energized spirit. The band’s work demonstrates how a stripped-down, lo-fi approach can still create a strong emotional resonance, one that travels beyond language and borders to connect with diverse audiences. Fuente: Premios Nacionales de la Música y las Artes-Pop Eye.
These awards bring together artists from different cultural fields who have stood out for their contributions over the years. The jury panel includes leading cultural voices from Spain who help shape the event’s direction and celebrate the cross-pollination of ideas across music, literature, design, and performance. The recognition serves not only as a personal milestone for the recipients but also as a spotlight on the vibrant, interconnected cultural landscape of the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Fuente: Premios Nacionales de la Música y las Artes-Pop Eye.