TheZAI Awards (Hudobný fond orHF) are aSlovak music accolade presented byZväz autorov a interprétov populárnej hudby (ZAI) to recognize outstanding achievements in theindustry for the preceding year in the region. In the early phase, the annual ceremonies were held in association with the local Music Fund (HF) andInternational Federation of the Phonographic Industry Slovakia (SNS IFPI). For that reason, their follow-up equivalents were frequently renamed; once after the AmericanGramies (1996–1997).
Following a 1997 protest of the U.S.NARAS management against the Czech music awards, also called likewise, the Slovak organization decided to change the adopted name too, renaming then trophies after the Artmedia Music Academy (1998–2000), also established by ZAI.[1]
In 2001, the event was separately rebranded by SNS IFPI for theAurel Awards (2001–2007), for a change, prior to their hiatus. Restored by the ZAI union in 2011 under their original title, the current awards are presented on abiennial basis, honoring mostly the hosting achievements in the music genre since. As of 2015, twenty annual ceremonies were held, with thirteen credited to ZAI, and seven to now discontinued SNS IFPI.
V–klub, the most recent venue of the ZAI awards. An old music club located at the National Public Center (NOC) in theOld Town, Bratislava, is often nicknamed "Véčko".
Vocal Artist or Ensemble • Held since, excluding 1998–2000 and 2011.
New Artist • Held since, excluding 2011.
Album • Held since 1991, excluding 2011.
Radio Station • Held since 2011.
Radio Host • Held since 2011.
Music Festival • Held since 2011.
Music Club • Held since 2011.
Music Presenter • Held since 2011.
Special awards
Hall of Fame • Lifetime achievement award, formerly known as Grand Prix (1990–2000), given for outstanding contributions tothe industry, mainly for performing.
