Anugerah Planet Muzik 2016 (APM 2016) successfully wrapped up its fifteenth edition on 30 September 2016 at the brand new MES Theatre at Mediacorp. The regional music awards show awarded 19 categories to music enthusiasts. As an avid Warna 94.2FM and Ria 89.7FM radio listener, the songs performed were not foreign to me as they were frequently played on the radio.

The night started with opening act – Musikimia and they performed their hit track; Dan Bernyanyilah. They won Best Song (Indonesia) and APM Best Band. Both Best New Artiste were awarded to Indonesia acts – Rizky Febian with Kesempurnaan Cinta and Yuka Kharisma with Hati Berbisik. Both artiste later collaborated with Ayda Jebat in classic hit Hanya Memuji.

Ayda Jebat won Most Popular Artiste, Most Popular Song (Pencuri Hati) and Social Media Icon. Her popularity was very much evident through the screams and cheers that night. Aziz Harun from Brunei won Best Collaboration with his track, Beautiful. Fans who participate on the hashtag #beautifulapm2016 via Instagram had their lucky faces shown on the video screen while Aziz Harun beautifully sing and strum his song.

Raisa got her third solo win as Best Artiste (Female) with Kali Kedua after getting Best New Artiste (Female) in 2012 and Best Artiste (Female) in 2015. She also got her fourth APM trophy winning in Best Duo/Group with Afgan through Percayalah. Her fresh duet appearance of Percayalah with Cakra Khan was refreshing to hear.

Awi Rafael & Ayai Illusi performed Manusia Sempurna and won Best Collaboration. Hanya Namamu by Caliph Buskers won Best Song (Malaysia) and APM Best Song. The talented visually impaired musician expressed his thankfulness to Edry KRU who brought them in the industry and compose the single for them.

Sufi Rashid defeated Taufik Batisah this time round with Most Popular Artiste (Singapore) and Most Popular Song (Singapore) through Kisah Dua Muka. Both Sufi Rashid and Caliph Buskers put on a powerful performance of hit track Sudah Ku Tahu,leaving the crowd in awe with lingering emotions.

Personally, APM 2016 felt a bit lacking this year. Though the stage set-up appeared grand and majestic, the award show felt ordinary. The sold out show did not seem to excite viewers at home too. Though the hosts; Suhaimi Yusof (Singapore), Sherry Alhadad(Malaysia) and Desta (Indonesia) – are entertainers well-known for their comical hosting, I felt that they did not quite stand out for the show. On a positive note, the red carpet session by Sensuoz By Shannz were luxuriously well done. Kudos to the team.

Check out more photos of APM 2016 RED CARPET by Sensuoz By Shannz & Awards Winners on our Facebook Page.

The Fifth Parlour would like to thank Mediacorp Suria,Warna, Ria and Manja for giving The Fifth Parlour the opportunity to cover Anugerah Planet Muzik 2016.