The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced that this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Music award is a posthumous presentation in honour of the late broadcaster and musician Gerry Anderson.

Taking place at the Norther Ireland Music Prize on Wednesday, November 13 at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, the presentation will also unlock £3,000 (€3,600) of support from IMRO towards a dedicated bursary in Gerry Anderson’s name.

A multi award-winning radio and TV broadcaster from Derry, Anderson joined BBC Radio Foyle in 1984 and went on to become one of the most cherished, familiar, hilarious and fearless voices on the airwaves for the next 30 years.  He was also an accomplished musician, teaching himself guitar and playing in local bands in the '60s, before playing in showbands across the globe. On his return to Derry, he formed Toejam with his long term friend Colum Arbuckle and Jim Whiteside, playing the Irish Rock circuit for 10 years.

Gerry passed away in 2014 and earlier this year his family set up the Gerry Anderson Music Bursary to mark the 10th anniversary of his death. Since then the family have set up a website (www.geraldmichaelanderson.com) and fundraising page to raise funds that will go on to support artists through a bursary.

“We are honoured that The Oh Yeah Music Centre has chosen to present this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Music award posthumously to my father, Gerry Anderson,"  son David said of receiving the award. "Music was at the heart of everything Dad did—whether on the airwaves or on stage, he was always championing local talent and celebrating creativity. He had an unwavering passion for nurturing musicians and sharing their stories and talent. This recognition is a wonderful tribute to his legacy, and our family is incredibly touched by this gesture. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive through this award “

“Gerry Anderson was a true champion of music and creativity, not just as a broadcaster but as a musician who understood the challenges and triumphs of the artist's journey, added Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing & Membership, IMRO. "Gerry’s unique voice and passion for music will forever be remembered, and this bursary will ensure that his dedication to nurturing musicians lives on.”