CHAPTER 802: BEST TRADITIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE: A VOICE FROM THE YELLOW RIVER

As the applause for Mariko Han’s victory in the Best Traditional Folk Song category slowly faded, the lights on the stage shifted once again. The opening moments of the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards had already left the audience in awe, setting the tone for an evening of celebration, not just of music, but of culture, history, and tradition. The room was buzzing with anticipation as the next award, Best Traditional Vocal Performance, was about to be presented.

This category was one of the most prestigious for traditional artists. It honored the vocalists who, through their authentic vocal styles, preserved the purity and spirit of traditional music. Unlike the first award, which focused on the composition and arrangement of folk songs, this award placed the spotlight on the voice itself—the ability of the singer to transport listeners back in time, to evoke the emotions and stories of their ancestors through nothing more than the raw power of their voice.

The stage backdrop changed to a stunning visual of ancient villages and traditional gatherings, a reminder that these performances weren’t merely songs—they were legacies, passed down through generations. The Sapphire Awards had long prided itself on recognizing talent from across the world, and the Best Traditional Vocal Performance category was no exception. Artists from all over Azure Star were eligible to participate, provided they sang in the traditional styles of their own countries. This year, half of the nominees were from Sakura Abode Country, while the other half hailed from nations with rich musical traditions of their own, further demonstrating the global reach of the Sapphire Awards.

A soft melody played on a koto, filled the hall, signaling the arrival of the next presenter. The spotlight settled on the figure walking toward the center of the stage, a renowned traditional music producer known for his work across various genres. Dressed in a simple yet elegant dark robe, he embodied the quiet sophistication that had made him famous in the world of traditional music. His reputation for producing timeless works with artists from all over the world made him the perfect choice to present this award.

As he reached the microphone, the audience greeted him with warm applause. He bowed slightly, a smile playing on his lips.

"Good evening," he began, his voice rich and melodic. "It is a great honor to stand here tonight and present the award for Best Traditional Vocal Performance. This award is particularly special because it celebrates not just music, but the voice—the instrument we are all born with, an instrument that carries our stories, our joys, and our sorrows."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "In the world of traditional music, the voice is sacred. It is how we connect to our past, and how we honor our history. It transcends language and borders. It tells stories that cannot be told any other way."

The producer turned slightly, nodding toward the massive screen behind him. "Tonight’s nominees have done exactly that. They have used their voices to preserve the beauty and richness of their respective cultures. Some of these artists hail from Sakura Abode Country, while others come from distant lands. But all of them have one thing in common: their ability to transport us to another time and place through their remarkable vocal performances."

The screen lit up, and the audience watched attentively as each of the six nominees for Best Traditional Vocal Performance was introduced, accompanied by a brief clip of their nominated song.

The first nominee was Rika Fujiwara from Sakura Abode Country, known for her delicate, soaring vocals. Her song, "Tales of the Cherry Blossom", played softly through the hall. Rika’s voice floated over the traditional shamisen accompaniment, her notes evoking the imagery of cherry blossoms drifting in the wind.

The second nominee came from Pangu Country, a region known for its distinct musical traditions. The camera cut to a clip of Han, a rising star in the traditional music scene, performing "Echoes of the Yellow River". His deep, resonant voice filled the hall, a perfect match for the slow, steady flow of the river that inspired the song. The audience watched, captivated, as Han’s voice painted a picture of nature’s grandeur and human endurance.

Next was Aiko Yamashita, another artist from Sakura Abode Country, whose performance of "Winds of the Ancient Forest" blended haunting melodies with her ethereal voice. The song, accompanied by the sounds of the shakuhachi, carried a sense of mystery and reverence for the natural world.

The fourth nominee hailed from Eagle Country. Amelia Clarke’s powerful rendition of "The Hills We Once Called Home" was filled with emotion, her voice carrying the weight of nostalgia and loss. Though she was performing in a different traditional style, the audience could feel the shared human experience embedded in her performance.

The fifth nominee, Suki Nakamura from Sakura Abode Country, performed "Ocean’s Lullaby", a piece inspired by the ancient fishermen’s songs of the coastal villages. Her voice was both soothing and strong, like the waves she sang about, invoking a sense of timelessness.

And finally, the sixth nominee came from Vik Country. Bjorn Helgarson, with his deep, gravelly voice, performed "Saga of the North Wind"

, a song rooted in the traditions of the Vik people. His voice carried the harshness and beauty of the northern landscapes as if calling out from the frozen tundra itself.

As the final clip ended, the producer turned back to the audience, a look of admiration on his face.

"These six artists," he said, "have each given us a gift—a window into their worlds, their histories, and their souls. I am proud to present this award to one of them tonight."

The room held its collective breath as he carefully opened the envelope in his hands. The silence was thick with anticipation, as everyone awaited the name of the winner.

"And the winner for Best Traditional Vocal Performance is... Han, for ’Echoes of the Yellow River.’"

The hall erupted in applause as the camera zoomed in on Han, who was visibly stunned. He blinked, his mouth slightly open in disbelief, before breaking into a wide smile. Those seated at his table—fellow artists from Pangu Country—cheered and clapped him on the back as he rose to his feet.

Han took a deep breath, composing himself before making his way to the stage. His walk was slow and deliberate, a mixture of excitement and awe evident in his steps. This was his first-ever win at the Sapphire Melody Awards, and the significance of the moment was not lost on him. As he reached the stage, the producer handed him the iconic Sapphire Award, the crystal centerpiece glowing under the stage lights.

Han stood at the microphone for a moment, staring down at the award in his hands, his voice catching in his throat as he began to speak.

"I... I can’t believe this is happening," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "To be standing here, holding this award, among so many incredible artists... it’s overwhelming."

The audience listened intently, touched by his sincerity.

"I want to thank the Sakurean Music Society for this honor, and for recognizing the beauty of traditional music from all corners of Azure Star," he continued. "It means so much to me to be able to share the music of my people, of my homeland, with all of you. ’Echoes of the Yellow River’ is not just a song—it is a tribute to my ancestors, to the stories they passed down, and to the land that has shaped us for generations."

He paused, taking a deep breath as he wiped a tear from his eye. "I want to dedicate this award to my family, especially to my grandmother, who taught me the songs of our people when I was just a boy. She always told me that music was the key to our past, and she was right."

There was a brief moment of silence as Han composed himself, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you to everyone who believed in me, who supported me on this journey. And to all the artists out there who are keeping the traditions of their cultures alive through music, this award is for you, too. Let’s continue to share our stories, our voices, and our heritage with the world."

The audience stood and applauded as Han bowed deeply, holding his award close to his chest. It was a moment of triumph not just for him, but for traditional music, proving once again that these ancient songs and stories still had the power to move hearts and bring people together.

As Han made his way back to his seat, the night continued, but the echo of his victory lingered in the air. The Sapphire Melody Awards had only just begun, but it had already delivered moments of profound beauty and emotion as the diversity of music wasn’t restricted to the Sakureans only, it was the music from all around the world that was being celebrated that night.