The Buma Export Award (initially known as Conamus Export Award) was a prize given to the Dutch artists who sold the most records abroad between 1972 and 2011. In 2013, this prize was replaced by the Buma ROCKS! Export Award that focused on rock artists and the Buma Award Internationaal (that has been awarded to the best-selling and most played songs involving Dutch recording artists, songwriters and publishers with international success). The latter award is presented yearly during the Buma Awards ceremony.
The awards were first presented in 1972. They showed the international prestige and popularity of Dutch singers, producers, musicians or bands. The first winners were pop duo Mouth & MacNeal, conductor Harry van Hoof and songwriter/record producer Hans van Hemert for the success of the hit single "How Do You Do". This song spent 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the R.I.A.A. gold disc on 2 August 1972.[1] Selling over a million copies in the U.S. alone, global sales exceeded two million.[1] Seven years later, Van Hemert won another Export award thanks to his brainchild: the girl group Luv'[2] .
Violinist André Rieu holds the record for the most export prizes (seven). Brothers duo Bolland & Bolland and symphonic metal band Within Temptation won the award several years in a row. Jaap Eggermont received the prize twice because of his world-famous Stars on 45 project. Saxophonist Candy Dulfer had three awards. Among other prestigious winners were legendary acts Golden Earring, Focus, George Baker Selection, Pussycat, Earth and Fire and Tiësto.
In 2012 and 2013, the award was not presented. In 2014, it was renamed Buma ROCKS! Export Award and is only awarded to rock musicians.
Since 2013, this other prize has been awarded to the best-selling and most played songs involving Dutch recording artists, songwriters and publishers with international success. The Buma Award Internationaal is presented yearly during the Buma Awards show.
| Artist | Number of awards |
|---|---|
| André Rieu | 7 |
| Bolland & Bolland | 5 |
| Within Temptation | |
| Candy Dulfer | 3 |
| Hans van Hemert | 2 |
| Golden Earring | |
| Jaap Eggermont and Martin Duiser | |
| Vengaboys |
