Latin tunes take Germany

Bega, Buena Vista, Bloodhound bag Echoes

By ED MEZA

BERLIN -- Germany's recording industry presented its highest awards in Hamburg on Thursday, with prizes going to local swing sensation Lou Bega and to Cuban Latin jazz band Buena Vista Social Club, made famous by Wim Wenders' Oscar-nominated documentary of the same name.

Hometown tribute

Bega, a Munich-native, won Echoes -- as the Teutonic Grammies are known -- for best exported artist and best national rock pop single for his hit "Mambo No. 5." Buena Vista Social Club, along with Ry Cooder, took prizes for best jazz album and best international group.

Latin crooner Ricky Martin got the Echo for best international male artist, while Cher won in the female category. Local pop singers Xavier Naidoo and Sabrina Setlur garnered best national artist kudos.

Hooray for 'Hooray'

The Bloodhound Gang won best new international group for its album "Hooray for Boobies," while pop veterans the Fantastische Vier were named best German band. Music channel Viva's best video award went to the young musicians of local rock band Echt for their single "Du Tragst Keine Liebe in Dir."

The Echoes are presented by Germany's record association, the Deutsche Phono Akademie.