Queen of the charts: Anggun wins World Music Award

In Indonesia, a country of 240 million inhabitants, rising to the top is no easy feat. It takes beauty, skill and talent—attributes that converge in Miss Anggun Cipta Sasmi. On Tuesday the Indonesian-born beauty (and France’s Eurovision 2012 contestant) was honoured at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo as the world’s best selling Indonesian artist.

Monaco’s Royal Family set up the awards to celebrate the world’s best-selling artists in the various categories and territories. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry provides sales figures.

Anggun was chuffed.

World’s Best Selling Indonesian Artist!Million thanks to @WORLDMUSICAWARD & all my fans for your never-ending love.. pic.twitter.com/HoMyVtz0Pd

— Anggun Official (@Anggun_Cipta) May 28, 2014

Best Selling Indonesian Artist ?????? @WORLDMUSICAWARD #Grateful #ThankYou #TerimaKasih pic.twitter.com/VLRfxN3zWi

— Anggun Official (@Anggun_Cipta) May 28, 2014

France’s favourite Indonesian songbird goes from strength to strength. She knows that when one door closes another one opens. Back in 2012, Anguun was selected internally in France, and as part of the Big 5, she got a spot on the grand final. Despite a heavy promotional tour and perhaps the best music video of her year, she finished in 22nd place. Our hearts bled. 

However, that didn’t stop Anggun from striving. She soldiered on and seized opportunities to work as Jean Paul Gaultier’s muse and to rock out in shampoo adverts. Shortly after her participation at the Eurovision Song Contest, she embarked on a mini-European tour, and released a full LP. She relocated to her Indonesian homeland, and became a judge on Indonesia’s Got Talent, Indonesia X Factor, and the spin off series, Around The World X Factor. Last year, she re-released her greatest hits package, with bonus material. This shot straight to number 1 in the Indonesian charts. May the hits continue….

Our 2012 interview with Anggun: