Launched in 2006, the Césaires, which aim to showcase Afro-Caribbean culture and the black diaspora, will hold their third edition on 23 September 2008 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It will be marked by a solemn tribute to the poet, intellectual and politician Aimé Césaire, who died in April 2008 and who had been the patron of the event and given his name to the trophy.
The Césaires are broadening their scope: besides music, cinema (best fiction, best documentary) and literature (best essay, best fiction) will also be represented, along with the media with a Television prize. As tradition has it, the music winners (best group, video, album, artist of the year, revelation of the year) will be chosen by public vote.
Of note: Tiken Jah Fakoly is up for Best Album with "L'Africain", as are Matinda, Yaniss Odua and Straika D for the album "High Tunes", while Tiwony is nominated in the Best Video category for Priyé Jah. To vote, head to the official site.