MUMBAI: Raghu Dixit bagged the 'Best Newcomer Artist' at SongLines Music Award 2011 for his album Raghu Dixit Project. The awards is a Songline Magazine initiative; which recognize outstanding talent in world music and are voted by Songlines readers and the general public.

Songlines Magazine editor-in-chief Simon Broughton said, I think Raghu Dixit is an artist to watch – and a man with a mission. He's a talented songwriter, with a real melodic gift and his voice has the power to transport an audience. He's already a big name in India, but is now building his reputation over here. His recent concert at the South Bank's Alchemy festival was brilliant – and included collaboration with fellow Songlines Award winners Bellowhead. His appearance at Glastonbury this year can only help....

Expressing the triumph Raghu Dixit said, I would like to thank Gaurav Vaz for being the pillar of strength and my manager in India and to all the amazing musicians who make me sound good whenever we get on the stage. I also thank all my fans who voted and got us into the last final nominations and then to the final jury members to have considered me worth for this award. To be counted as a winner with the likes of Afrocubism, Femi Kuti and Bellowhead is a dream come true for me....

Raghu Dixit Project was launched by composers Vishal-Shekhar's music label VS Music.

Raghu Dixit added, It's been 13 years since I started my music career and this is really my first ever award as a musician that I have won and for it to be an international award and recognition from the world's premier music magazine, Songlines, is an amazing honour....

The SongLines Music Award 2011 for Best Artist was won by Femi Kuti, Bellowhead bagged the Best Group award, and Cross-Cultural Collaboration award by Afro Cubism.