InterContinental Music Awards 2025: A Global Celebration of Unity and Music

On August 24, artists and music lovers from more than 68 countries gathered virtually for our 13th Annual InterContinental Music Awards. Streaming live from the Hollywood Hills, the five and a half hour ceremony was filled with music, stories, inspiring speeches, and unforgettable moments that turned the world into one stage.

Hosted by our founder/CEO Shahed Mohseni Zonoozi alongside actress and author Karen Lorre and media host Merry M Pour, the event honored 266 winning artists whose music carried messages of unity, creativity, and cultural pride.

“This year, more than ever, our world needed unity, and our artists answered that call through music,” said Shahed Mohseni. “It was a ceremony that built bridges between cultures and hearts, proving that no matter where we come from, music connects us, heals us, and gives us hope.”

Winners were announced live, joining virtually to deliver emotional acceptance speeches and share the inspiration behind their work. InterContinental Music Awards showcased how music transcends borders — recognizing artists in a diverse range of categories from pop and jazz to traditional, classical, and spiritual music.

Find the full list of winners on our website: 2025 Winners

The Oneness Sculpture: A Living Symbol of Peace

One of the most powerful highlights of the night was the introduction of the Oneness Sculpture. It was created by visionary artist Kerry Soori McEachern. The work of art is built from more than 1,000 origami flowers, each folded from a peace message written by members of the community. Every flower holds someone’s hopes, dreams, and wishes for a better world, coming together in a living symbol of unity and peace.

During the ceremony, we invited viewers to share their own messages, which will also become part of the sculpture. This collaboration reminded us why art and music matter. They bring people together and create something lasting for the world.

Spotlight on the ICon Award

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious ICon Award, accompanied by a $1,000 cash prize, honoring the top-scoring submission across all categories. This year, the award was presented to Vivienne Aerts,  for her remarkable musical achievement and social impact. The ICon Award was generously sponsored by Sangeeta Kaur —a multi-year ICMA winner and Grammy Award–winning artist in support of creativity through music and art.

2025 InterContinental Music Awards Winners

(Listed by Continent and genre)

BEST OF AFRICA

African Contemporary

“Claim To The Stars” by Mbira Spirit

“You’re still the same ” by Samuel Dahai

African Hip Hop

“Music Man (ft. Krizo Marley)” by Best Slim Ever

“Call” by Proklaim

African Pop

“Poison” by Espoir La Tigresse

“Destiny” by Nomina

“Me na wewe ” by VaN PeAcE Mw

African RnB/Soul

“Morning Love” by D-ONE

Afro-Jazz

“Aiye (ft. Mercy Alu)” by Baba Kuboye

BEST OF ASIA

Asian Classical

“The Awakening” by OHNomad

“Mongolian: Who are the descendants? (Orchestral version)” by Steven Chesne

Asian Folk

“Kurumalipuzha” by Anjali mukundam

“Still Remember” by Joyin Wang

“Highlanders” by Tuni Sundatang

“Home” by HoNi (好日)

Asian Jazz & Crossover

“Dream of You” and “Bellflower” by Aivee Hsu

“The East is Not A Fantasy” and “Mondrian” by Chung-Ching Chen

“Echoes of the Dunes” by Yeyun Jang/ Universal Groove

Asian Pop

“Jawani” by Anita limbu

“One Voice” by EWTC

“My Style” by JessC

“Maranden Unnai” by Nimaa Creations

Asian Rock

“Thaka Theyy” by 11 The Band

“First Passion” by Shitalchandra Kulkarni

Bollywood Music

“Taaron Ko Chandni Se” by Madhumita Chatterjee & Shaan

Carnati

“Shanmukhapriya multidimensional ” by Rajaram Ramamoorthi

Hindustani

“Classically Perth” by Avra Banerjee

“Raghupati Raaghava ” by Ruupa Raaman & Aruna Sairam

Sufi Folk Rock / Sufi Rock

“Tujhme Fana Kar De” by Avra Banerjee

BEST OF AUSTRALASIA

Australasian Folk/Country

“You Can’t Say” by Christine Clifford

“Damn Hard Working Man” by Lily-Grace Grant

Australasian Pop

“Daisies” by Elizabeth Riordan

Australasian Rock

“System Slave ” by Applebite the beggars on acid

“Blue Blue Blue (Cinematic Orchestral Arrangement)” by Ma9Na

Australasian Urban

“A New Garden” by Jennifer Parry

BEST OF EUROPE

Basque Folk

“Hoida Nana” by Eteri Goradze Yavuz

Celtic

“Aghe” by AccorDòs

European Alternative

“Walking Away” by George Solonos

“Welcome” by Mary Ann

“Vajont” by Musica Muta

European Folk

“Himno del colegio Antonio Guerrero de Aljaraque (Huelva)” by David Garrido Guil

“Quién Te Dice” by Isel

“Reflections During Wartime” by Marko Farion

“Anemos” by Tales from the Box

“The sky is cloudy” by Tamar aladashvili

European Hip-Hop

“Surviving in Chaos ” by Colorificio Mario

European Jazz

“Can We Agree?” by Lisa Marie Simmons and Marco Cremaschini

European Metal

“Jogo do Silêncio ” by Paula Teles

Europop

“Ays Gisher ” by Arman Peshtmaljyan

“I’m Back” by Eduard Rimikhanov

“Moonwatching” by Jay Jovian

“Chasing The Horizon” by Sierra Blake/K-Melodies

Flamenco

“Vamos a Dar Un Paseo (Let’s Take a Drive)” by Christopher Rapkin

“Alazán” by Edu Vico

“Alhambra by Night” by Jacco Muller, Victor Ghannam

Latin

“El otro lado de mí” by Eddie

“Beijo de Funaná” by Némanus

Nordic Folk

“Oyannah” (Ft. Clara Sorace) ” by Roger Subirana

BEST OF  MIDDLE EAST

Art Music

“Lament” by Haitham Al-Shawafi

Fusion Music

“Refugee ” by Athrodeel

“Eastern Constellation” by Emad Bonakdar

“Middle East Voodoo” by Tomer George Cohen

Middle Eastern Alternative

“HaMizrakh” by Kobi Arad

Middle Eastern Pop

“Ya Habibi” by Aryana Sayeed

Traditional Folk Music

“Amran Gisher ” by Arman Peshtmaljyan

BEST OF  NORTH AMERICA

Alternative

“Human Illusion” by 7OïC (Pronounced Loïc)

“It’s You”  by Ben Scharlin

“Looking” by Buckets

“Can’t Wait” by Fittit

“Doctor Treat Me” by Flyght Club

“Life gets in the way” by Ian Alistair Gosbee

“Runaway” by Now Defunkt

“Sumatra” by Paula Boggs Band

“Dirt Roads ” by Project Vibe

“Don’t Turn Your Back On Love” by Rich Agata

“Letting You Go” by STEINRUCK

“Sleepless Soldier” by The Wanderer

American Roots

“She Walked” and “Your Fire”

by Grant Maloy Smith

“Keep Hope Alive” by Imaginary Friends

“Dig Deeper” by Michelle Lockey

“Your Love My Medicine” by Shelley Morningsong

Blues

“Ain’t No Cure Like The Blues ” by Justine Blazer & Lauren Anderson

“Cut Me” by Linn Holmes

“I’m singing the blues” by Lori Hardman

“A Man Without Dreams” by Pouya Kolahi

“My Philosophy ” by Project Vibe

Children’s Music

“Portraits (The Art of Perseverance)” and “No Cell Phones (in Art Class)” by 10000 Trees Music

“How (Can I Make Someone’s Day)” by Dana (Cohenour)

“Gigi and the Giggle Stamp” by Lindsey

Country

“Jaguar” by Alice Jackson

“Tough Girl ” by Bree Jaxson

“Two Lives” by Cat Lion

“Painkiller ” by Dawn Rix

“In Love With Love Again” by Haley Bundy

“Tall, Dark & Chevy” by Mary Anne Message

“When It Rains She Pours” by Poppyiris

“End of the Line” by Sylvie’s Songs

“Rattlesnake Love (ft. Justine Blazer)” by Tom Bender

“Bottom Of The Bottle 1 Last Swig” by VocalzbyJamelle

Contemporary Instrumental

“Remains of Ancient Trees” by Cicada

“Reann Reawakened”, “Ancient Magic Awakens” by David Arkenstone

“Sacred Waters” by David Lanz and Kristin Amarie

“RIPPLE—Symphony No. 1” by Douglas Knehans

“Back on this Planet” by EMER

“Minnesverket” by Fredrik Norlindh

“Outside World” by Helena Maria Falk

“Images” by Maria Rago

“Half Silver” by Martin Hebel

“A Feather’s Touch” by Morgan Husband Feraud

“Secrets” by Noshir Mody

“Traces of You” by Paula Boggs Band

“Reunion” by Renee’ Michele

“BYZANTINE (live)” by Russ Hewitt

“Jammin” by Sam Hankins Project

“The Conqueror ( part 1 )” by Yacine Tandjaoui

“Isaiah 40:31” by Yulia & Lew Laing Jr

“Two Ships Passing” by Zupe

Dance/Electronic

“How Smooth” by Flyght Club

“Revolution” by MNDLB5

Folk

“Yidishe Mame Opus” by Ellina Graypel

“Love Wins” by Heerraa

“Little Hummingbird” by Jeff Greenleaf

“GRACEFUL LILY” by Rich Allen

“Who is Gonna Rebuild LA?” by Sarah Golden & Nathan K

Gospel/Contemporary Christian

“Puppet” by Cice Rivera

“is yours oh Lord” by Jenelyn Calzado

“The Son Don’t Lie” by John Michael Ferrari

“Taste Of Victory” by Mo Dinka

“STILL STANDING” by Roxanne Robinson

“Look Into the Eyes” by The Bootleggers Music Group

“Turn It Around” by Tina Nelms/Leroy Thomas/Mali Music

Latin Music

“Sonic Horizon” by Leonardo Garcia

“Diamond Eyes (ft. Juan Pablo Palencia)” by Medd & Shaw

“Cry Me A River” by Orchestra Fuego

“Cancion Para Mi madre” by Sammy Deleon y Orquesta

Pop

“Love Again” by Ada LeAnn

“Bigger” by Ally Cribb

“With you” and by Bree Jaxson

“Christmas All Around the World” by Debé Gunn & Afrika Mamas

“Enough” by Dina & Artem

“Santa Clara” and “Wilfire” by Eli Golden

“Every Love Story” by Gloria May Byron

“There for You” by Hollywood Hippie

“We Can Start Over” by Monica Gregory

“Ice Cream Cake” by Songbird

“Forgot How to Feel” by Talie

“Bangin My Head (pop version)” by Tati Gordon

“Love Calls Me Home (ft. Wannie and Bryan Livaudais)” by Katherine Lynn

“I Heard My Name” by Wanye Kong

Rap

“Like It’s ’93 ft. Masta Ace” by Emma Lee M.C. & Roccwell

“No Pressure” by Jersey Mal

“Wisdom” by Lil toddla

“Sunshine vibes” by Nature Vandross

“Chase It (ft. Dubbygotbars & Txreek)” by Nige B

R&B

“What U Like” by A.F.G.M / A Few Good Men

“My Sagittarius ” by Alli’ Starr

“Goodmorning, Love” by Teri Tobin

“Toxicity” by Zariyah W

Jazz

“Dream of you” by Aivee Hsu

“I Never Knew You Were There” by Britt Warren

“Lately ” by Charu Suri & Cassandra Kubinski

“Lucky Us” by David Fogel

“Paradise Beach” by Evan Carydakis

“Drum & Berries”, “Hope Through Sadness” by Ilya Dynov

“Escher’s Staircase” by Junichiro Mataga

“Dinner And A Move” by Kk The Drummer

“It’s De-lovely – Song” by Robin Simone

“Absolute Love” by Walter Kittle

Reggae

“Riddim Man” by Caleb Hart

“How long will you stay away” by Corden Barrett

“Rampa ” by ManyLights

“Precious” by Samora

Rock

“Social Media Scientist” by David Forman Project

“Alone in the Dark” by Fred May

“Fade Into You” by Jamie Alimorad

“Howlin’ and Dying”by Johnny Nasty Boots

BEST OF LATIN AMERICA

Flamenco

“Mystery Circus” by Hwajong Kim

Latin Jazz

“ANA” by Rosanna Mailan

“What will we be” by Vivienne Aerts

Latin Pop/Rock

“I Wasn’t Planning This” by Aggeliki

Latin Urban

“Tu Mirada ” by Rosanna Mailan

BEST OF PANGEA

Ambient

“Otherworlds” by Mingo

“Wabi sabi” and “Imagination” by SAMBOX & Anita Barbereau

“Ultrasonic Vibes” by Thierry David

Classical

“De Profundis” by Andrea Montalbano

“Son of God” by ANGEL

“Peace Of The World” by Eteri Goradze Yavuz

“For You Became the Sun” by George Voukanos

“Nani Lahaina~Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra” by Nan Avant

“Universal Connection – Danielle” by OHNomad

“La Dolce Romanza” by Paul Long

“Eixos Teus Ulls” and “A Teresita” by Rodolfo Bada

“Everything Passes” by Stanley Grill

“Winter Glow” by The Mayfair Arrangements

Classical Crossover

“Spark” by Antonija Pacek

“Oceans” and “You Carried Me Home” by Jennifer Thomas

Contemporary Classical

“Elegy (for Dad)” by Christina Sandsengen

New Age

“Invocation” by Avra Banerjee

“Rise Up” by Edward Kee

“Spirit Eyes” by Ilka de Gast

“Kismet” by Joseph L Young

“You Shine in the Breeze” by Zixiao Ye (Lazypianist)

Singer/Songwriter

“What do you feel ” by Julia Lahmer

Soundtrack

“Lost Souls” by Davide Caprelli

“Guided by Stars” by HsinMin Chou

“A Night at the Cloudtop Imaginarium” and “Sleepwalker” by Inal Bilsel

“Helping Hand” by JC Ferrer

“40 DAYS” by Remon Sakr

“Awakening” by Vladimir Velichkov

“The Promise – The opening Title” by Youssef Guezoum

World Music

“La Rumba de Sandokan” by Arsenio Diaz

“Voyager” by David Darling

“War Mus End” by Martha Reis

“E’ Tutta Una Poesia” by Michael Cristiano

“Dreaming” by Robert Zielinski

“Wings Of Gold – A Symphonic Thillana” by Sanjeev Venkataramanan

“The Experimental Sessions” by The Indica Project

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

“Rebirth” by Chia-Hui Shen

“Love Dance ” by Kenan Adnawi

“Scarborough Fair” by Grant Maloy Smith and Kevin Lucas

“Sevilla (originally by Isaac Albéniz)” interpreted by Elena Ortega

“Claude Debussy ‘Deux Arabesques’ “ by James Adler

“Flight of the Bumblebee (originally by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)” by Keishi Furuya

“Inspiring Formosa: From Mirage to Mirror” by HsiaoYi-Yu / Formosa Pipe Organ Society

“Remembrance and Renewal ” by Tess Remy-Schumacher and Vivian Fang Liu

“Serenede for Violin and Guitar Opus 68” Interpreted by Classical Duet

“Serenata Española (originally by Malats)” Interpreted by Mabel Millan

“Saint-Saens / Violin Concerto No.3 Opus 61” by Sylvie Kim

“Fantaisie sur un Thème Original (originally by Jules Demersseman)” Interpreted by Jonathan Zhang

“Naan Oru Vilayattu Bommaiya (originally by Papanasam Sivan)” Cover by Kavitha Jayaraman

“Higher Ground (originally by Stevie Wonder)” Cover by Marcus Click

“Kurdish jazz (originally a traditional Kurdish music)” Interpreted by Bahez

“Cousin Will (originally by Bobby Paunetto)” Cover by Johnny Moret y La Colectiva Latina

BEST PRODUCTION

“DJ Hero Soft Lights Go Out (originally by Olive)” Cover by DJ Hero Soft

“Freedom (ft. Sandra St. Victor) (originally by George Michael)” Cover by d’Z

“Harazat” by Astghik Safaryan

“Walking Away” by George Solonos

“Mystery Circus” by Hwajong Kim

“A Night at the Cloudtop Imaginarium” by Inal Bilsel

“Ana” by Rosanna Mailan

“Oceans” by Jeniffer Thomas

BEST VOCALIST

“Song of Sancho Pança ‘ ça vous commettez tous un acte épouvantable’ (originally by André Gresse)”, “Song of Massimiliano (originally by Luigi Lablache)” Interpreted by Philip Sarrouy

“Chanson D’amour (originally by Gabriel Fauré )” Interpreted by Miroslava Oreshkin

“Poor Wand’ring One (originally by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert)” Interpreted by Skylar Carmichael

“O Pato (originally by João Gilberto)” Cover by Aivee Hsu

“It’s Now Or Never (originally by Elvis Presley)” Cover by Ivan De Carlo

“Ke Ala Tuberose (originally by Joseph Kapaeau Aea)” Cover by Hiliu

“Grateful Remix” by Kimberly Adé

“America, America (originally by Luis Miguel )” Cover by Alexis Martinez

“All I Ask (originally by Adele)” Cover by Sofia Triantafyllidou

“I Surrender (originally by Celine Dion)” Cover by Stefany Belochlavek

“On My Own ft. Jarreau Williams (originally by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald) Cover by THEANYAAUDETTE

“Lose Control (originally by Ted Swins)” Cover by Sabrina Vaz

“Impossible ” by Amariah Lodiong

Submissions for the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards are now open!

Artists, producers, songwriters, and creators from around the world can enter their music at the early bird rate between September and November 30th: Submit Your Music

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