Guus Meeuwis received the oeuvre prize on Monday evening at the presentation of the Edison Pop in Leusden. According to the jury, the singer has made a special contribution to Dutch-language pop music with ‘a very strong and coherent oeuvre’.
The 50-year-old Meeuwis has been in the business for more than 25 years. He broke through in 1995 with the number 1 hit Het Is Een Nacht and Per Spoor (Kedeng Kedeng) quickly reached the top position in the charts.
“From that moment on, he was there and did not leave,” the jury report said. “Always new plans, new energy, never forced. Anyone who listens carefully to his music and let the lyrics sink in, will notice that beneath his light-footedness hides a special thought, a sentiment that takes you along. He understands the art of everyday things in life. a voice, a text and a feeling.”
Despite his long career, the oeuvre prize is only his third Edison for Meeuwis. In 2006 he won the audience award for best song with his hit Geef Mij Je Angst, and in 2010 De Brabander was named best male artist.
In recent years, the Edison oeuvre prize has gone to Anouk, Extince, Ilse DeLange and Willeke Alberti, among others. Last year the award went to The Opposites.
Meeuwis considers it a huge honor that he was awarded the Edison Pop oeuvre prize on Monday. “I like it more than I thought, an oeuvre prize,” said Meeuwis afterwards. “It’s like there’s a really nice gold bow around all those songs now.”
The singer was addressed on stage by friend Leo Alkemade and was then surprised by his own band, who started the song Cheers. Meeuwis’ brother Marc did the lead vocals. “Normally he doesn’t do that so quickly, so that was extra fun,” says Meeuwis. “I appreciate that.”
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