Since 2018, the Cultuurfonds has annually awarded the Pop Stipendium to promising pop artists or bands in order to develop their (inter)national career. Every year, three artists are nominated of which one eventually wins the cash prize of €10.000,-.
This year's nominees were de Niemanders, Gaidaa, and Mula B.
Mula B
Mula B, born and raised in The Hague's Schilderswijk neighborhood, is one of the most notable names on the Dutch hip-hop scene. With his powerful lyrics, raw energy and distinctive trap beats, he manages to appeal to a wide audience. He broke through with his debut album Meesterplusser and worked with artists such as LouiVos, 3robi and Yung Felix. Mula B is known for his sharp observations and street mentality, which makes him a unique sound in Nederhop.
The Jury about Mula B; “Mula B is a promising, groundbreaking, intelligent and ever-rising star capable of building bridges between different genres.”
Jury
This year, the jury consisted of Gwen Peroti (De Helling, Werfpop Festival and member of the advisory committee Cultuurfonds Zuid-Holland, among others), Joey Ruchtie (Oosterpoort and ESNS), Rocco Hueting (De Staat and board member Cultuurfonds Gelderland) and Vera Siemons (Radio DJ & podcast maker at NPO 3FM).