The scholarship was established in 2023 and is awarded annually to an artist who carries on the legacy of Fred Åkerström.
"Few contemporary voices carry that description as unequivocally as Sofia Karlsson. From her start in folk groups, through her solo debut and her breakthrough with unmistakable interpretations of Dan Andersson, she has given new vocal space to works by everyone from Bellman and Fröding to Joni Mitchell," reads an excerpt from the jury's motivation.
Behind the award are music journalist Lars Nylin and Fred Åkerström's daughter CajsaStina Åkerström.
Previously, artists Jack Vreeswijk, Lisa Nilsson and Stefan Sundström have received the scholarship.
