Jape is 2008 Choice Music Prize Winner!

• 5th Mar 2009

Richie Egan aka Jape has won the Choice Music Prize for 2008.

The Dubliner beat off stiff competition from the likes of Fight Like Apes, Lisa Hannigan and Mick Flannery to win the coveted award.

Within the 10 nominees, Jape's third album 'Ritual' was the clear bookies favourite to win.

Messiah J & The Expert, Mick Flannery, Halfset, R.S.A.G. (Rarely Seen Above Ground), and Fight Like Apes all performed live on the night.

According to Hot Press, Egan said that “all the bands tonight deserved to win,” and added that although bands often struggle to survive, they make music because they have to follow their hearts.

“It's better to be a sinking ship, than a rat jumping off a sinking ship,” he said.