"German music fans are very loyal and there is still a huge desire to listen to music in the mother tongue," he said, pointing to iconic singers Nina and Herbert Gronemeyer as well as more contemporary acts including rapper Peter Fox and alternative rock act Unheilig (pictured) as examples.

Last year saw Unheilig's seventh studio album, Grosse Freiheit, remain at number one in the German album charts for 23 weeks - earning seven-times platinum status.

"Meanwhile, more traditional Schlager acts ...