Urban Music Awards Explained
The Urban Music Awards (UMA) are a hip-hop, R&B, dance, and soul music awards ceremony that was launched by Jordan Kensington in 2003 and is now held in multiple countries.[1]
The US version of the award ceremony, the Urban Music Awards USA, was launched on 7 July 2007 at Hammerstein Ballroom, hosted by Foxy Brown and Spragga Benz, with award winners including Adele, Danity Kane, Jay Z, Grandmaster Flash, Sean Paul, Beyoncé, Bobby V, Enrique Iglesias, Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco, Mary Mary, Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Chip.
History
The Urban Music Awards were launched by Jordan Kensington in 2003 to recognize the achievement of urban-based artists, producers, clubs, DJs, radio stations, record labels, and artists from the current R&B, hip hop, neo soul, jazz, and dance music scene.
The winners are selected by an online public vote.
Urban Music Awards USA 2009
The 2009 Urban Music Awards were held on 17 July 2009 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City before returning to London on 1 November for the UK version of the show.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] The 2009 return was covered by the major international press, including OK! Magazine, the Daily Express, and the Insider.[11] [12] [13] 2009 also saw the launch of the Best Asian Act category to celebrate artists and musicians of Asian origin, which was widely covered within the Asian media worldwide.[11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19]
2003: 1st Year
The awards took place in Hammersmith Palais.[20]
The winners of the inaugural Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Hard Dance Artist/Producer | Kevin Energy |
Best Hard Dance DJ | Alex Somers |
Best House Act/DJ | Carl Cox |
Best Garage Act Sponsored by PureGarage.com | Heartless Crew |
Best Drum & Bass Act/DJ | Uncut |
Best Underground Producer | Sticky |
Best Reggae Act X | |
Best Breakthrough-Most Inspiring Act Sponsored by Invincible Magazine | Dizzee Rascal |
Best Independent Record Label Sponsored by Invincible Magazine | Soul 2 Soul Recording |
Best HipHop Act Sponsored by HipHop Connection | Blak Twang |
Best Club/Radio DJ Sponsored by UKPCDJ.COM x | |
Best Club Night Sponsored by RedBull | Smoove |
Best Underground Breakthrough DJ Sponsored by Diffusion PR | Misstress Barbara |
Best Nu-Soul Act Sponsored by Soul Trade | Terri Walker |
Best Crossover Chart Act Sponsored by Mecca USA | Jaimeson |
Best Radio Station | Flava FM |
Best Underground DJ | DJ Jollie |
Best Compilation | The Mixologists |
Best Unsigned Act Sponsored by Xtreme Talent | Transformerz | |
2004
The awards took place at the Barbican.
The winners of the 2nd annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Hip Hop Act | Klashnekoff |
Best Crossover Chart Act | Lemar |
|
Best Nu-Soul Act | Rhian Benson |
Best Album | TY, Upwards |
Most Inspiring Act | Estelle |
Best Garage Act | Wiley |
Best Newcomer | Kano |
Best UK Radio DJ | Ras Kwame |
Best Jazz Act | Soweto Kinch |
Best Club Night | The Jump Off |
Best Underground Producer | Jon E Cash |
Best Drum & Bass Act DJ | Dillinja & Lemon D |
Best R&B Act | Gemma Fox |
Best Gospel Act | Raymond&Co |
Best Underground DJ | The Mixologist |
Best Underground Radio Station | Bassline FM |
Best Independent Record Label | jetstar |
Best Compilation | Split Mics |
Best Music Video | Lethal Bizzle |
Best Hard Dance DJ | Hixxy |
Best Hous DJ | Louie Vega |
Best Street Dancer | Nexus Boys |
Best Unsigned Act | Lee Henry |
Outstanding Achievement Award | Beverley Knight |
|
2005
The venue was Wembley Arena.
The winners of the 3rd annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Website | www.promotioncity.co.uk |
Best Entrepreneur | Marcus Miller |
Best Magazine | Touch Magazine |
Best UK Reggae Act/DJ | Maxi Priest |
Best HipHop Act | Skinny Man, “I'll be surprised” |
Best Crossover Chart Act | Raghav “Angel Eyes” |
Best Neo-Soul Act | Terri Walker |
Best Album | Roll Deep, In At the Deep End |
Most Inspiring Act in association with invinciblemag.com | Tubby T, “Ready She Ready” |
Best Newcomer | Sway Dasafo, “Flo Fashion” |
Best Garage Act | Lethal B, “Against All Odd’s” |
Best UK Radio DJ | Ras Kwame |
Best Jazz Act | Courtney Pine |
Best Club Night | MTV Base Lounge |
Bet Underground Producer | Dexplicit |
Best Drum & Bass Act/DJ | Roni Size |
Best R&B Act | Jamelia, “Thank you” |
Best Gospel Act | Raymond & Co |
Best Underground DJ | Smasherelly |
Best Community Radio Station | Xtreme fm |
Best Independent Label | BBE Recordings |
Best Compilation | Union Black |
Best Music Video | Fusion & guests “Greatest Show” | |
2006
The awards took place in the Grand Connaught Rooms.
The winners of the 4th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Neo Soul | Omar |
Best Newcomer | Soundbwoy |
Best Magazine | RWD |
Best Hard Dane Act/DJ | Doc Savage |
Best House DJ | Paul Jackson |
Best TV Show | Chancers |
Best Album | Lily Allen |
Best UK Radio DJ | Semtex |
Best R&B Act | Fun*Damental |
Best UK Reggae Act | YT |
Best Underground DJ | Daz |
Best Independent Label | Relentless |
Best Underground Producer | Baby J |
Best Website | Ukmusic.com |
Most Inspiring Act | Fun*Damental |
Best Radio Station | Choice FM |
Best Club Night | Get Down@ Bar Rumba |
Best Crossover Chart Act | Supafly Inc |
Best Jazz Act | Soweto Kinch |
Best Drum & Bass DJ | DJ Hype |
Best Entrepreneur | Uproar PR |
Best Garage Act | Doctor |
Best Gospel Act | Four Kornerz |
Best HipHop Act | Akala |
Best Music Video | Nathan, “Cold as Ice” |
Outstanding Achievement Award 2006 | Omar |
Lifetime Achievement Award 2006 | Jazzie B | |
2007
The awards took place in the Grand Connaught Rooms.
2008
The awards took place at O2 Arena.
2009
The awards took place at Wembley Arena.
The winners of the 7th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Album | N-Dubz Uncle B |
Best Dance Act (UK & France) | Calvin Harris |
Best DJ (UK & France) | Swerve (Kiss) |
Best Group (UK & France) | JLS |
Best TV Station | Flava TV |
Best Collaboration | Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne, "Down" |
Best Hip Hop Act | Sway |
Best Music Video | K.I.G, "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" |
Best Radio Station | Kiss |
Best UK Asian Act | R.D.B |
Best Entrepreneur Category | Levi Roots |
Best Newcomer | Egypt |
Best R&B Act | Brick & Lace |
Most Inspiring Act | Brick & Lace |
Best Jazz Act | YolanDa Brown |
Best Gospel Act | Guvna B |
Best Producer | Blessed Beats |
Best Radio Show | James Merritt |
| |
2010
The awards took place at Grand Connaught.
The winners of the 8th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Album | N-Dubz, Against all Odds |
Best Collaboration | Tinie Tempah ft. Labyrinth, "Pass Out" |
Best Dance Act (Europe) | Cascada |
Best DJ | Shortee Blitz & DJ MK |
Best Gospel Act | |
Best Group | JLS |
Best European Act | Tal |
Best International Act | Iyaz |
Best Newcomer | Tinie Tempah |
Best HipHop Act | Tinie Tempah |
Best R&B Act | JLS |
Best Music Video | Mclean, "My Name" |
Best Street Dance Group | Diversity |
Best Asian Act | Jay Sean |
Best TV Station | 4Music |
Best Radio Station | Choice FM |
Best Radio Show | DJ Swerve |
Best Producer | David Guetta |
Outstanding Achievement Award | Damage |
Lifetime Achievement Award | Sade | |
2011
The awards took place at Porchester.[21] [22]
2012
The awards took place at Grand Connaught.[23]
2013
The awards took place at Grand Connaught.[25] [26]
2014
Winners for the Urban Music Awards 2014 included:
The winners of the 12th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Female Act | Neon Jungle |
Best Group | Neon Jungle |
Best Newcomer | Stephanie McCourt |
Best Single | Nico & Vinz — "Am I Wrong" |
Best Crossover Pop Act | Nico & Vinz |
Best Male Artist | Ghetts |
Best R&B/Soul Act | Debra Debs |
Best Hip Hop Act | Giggs |
Best Radio Show | Kojo & Jade (Capital Xtra in the Morning) |
Best Collaboration | Brookes Brothers ft. Chrom 3 — "Carry Me On" |
Best Grime Act | Big Narstie |
Best Producer | Splurge Boys |
Best International Artist | Pharrell Williams |
Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
Best Album | Ghetts — “Rebel with a Cause” |
Best African/Afro Beats Act | Mista Silva |
Best Gospel Act: | ACM Gospel Choir |
Best Reggae Act | Stylo G |
Best Electronic/ Dance Act | Clean Bandit |
Best Music Video | Nico & Vinz — "Am I Wrong" |
Best Music Channel | Channel AKA |
Best Clothing Brand | Money Clothing |
Best Music PR Company | Impressive PR |
Best Radio Station | Kiss |
|
2015
In 2015 the UMA events returned in London. Over 770,000 votes were received online. The show was hosted by founder, Jordan Kensington and singer/songwriter, Kiera Weathers. The awards included performances from Big Narstie, Kid Army, Kym Mazell, Rough Copy, Kelvin Jones, Chos3n and Young Kings. The UMA official house band, the Dominos provided the backdrop to music performed on stage by Macklemoore and a collaboration of "Ready or Not" by Fugees featuring the hosts. Lady Leshurr won record three awards for UMA Best Music Video 2015, Best Female Act 2015, and Best HipHop Act 2015.[30]
The winners of the 13th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Female Act | Lady Leshurr |
Best Male Act | Stormzy |
Best Newcomer | Kelvin Jones |
Best International Artist | Drake |
Best Grime Act | Big Narstie |
Best R&B / Soul Act | Shakka |
Best Hip-Hop Act | Lady Leshurr |
Best African Act | Moe Logo |
Best Reggae Act | Stylo G |
Best Jazz Act | Zara McFarlane |
Best Gospel Act | Chos3n https://www.twitter.com/ukjuliette |
Best Group | Rudimental |
Best Producer | Diztortion |
Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
Best Single | WSTRN — "In2" |
Best Collaboration | Shakka feat. JME — "Say Nada" |
Best Music Video | Lady Leshurr — "Queen Speech 4" |
Best Radio Station | Colourful Radio |
Best Radio Show | Neev "Kisstory" (Kiss) |
Best Music Channel | Channel AKA |
Best Clothing Brand | Dench |
Best Music PR Company | Ditto Music | |
2016
The winners of the 14th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Album | Giggs — “Landlord” |
Best Pop Act
| Craig David |
Best International Act | Drake |
Best Producer | Jonas Blue |
Best DJ
| Kenny Allstar |
Best Radio Show
| Not for the Radio |
Best Grime Act | Big Narstie |
Best Gospel Act | Muyiwa & Riversongz ‘Eko Ile’ |
Best Single | Abra Cadabra feat. Krept & Konan — “Robbery” remix |
Best Male Act | Craig David |
Best Newcomer | Izzie Gibbz |
Best Hip-Hop Act | Giggs |
Best Reggae Act | Protoje |
Best Jazz Act | Empirical |
Best African Act
| Mista Silva |
Best R&B Act
| Angel |
Best Female Act | Laura Mvula |
Best Group | Section Boyz |
Best Record Label | All Around the World |
Best TV Channel
| Channel AKA |
Best Radio Station | The Beat London 103.6FM |
Best PR Company | Ditto Music |
UMA Living Legend
| Brand New Heavies |
Outstanding Contribution to Drum & Bass | Fabio & Grooverider |
Outstanding Contribution to Urban Music | Dizzee Rascal | |
2017
2018
The winners of the 16th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Newcomer | Big Zuu |
Best International Artist | Drake |
Best Group | Lotto Boyz |
African Artist of the Year | Davido (Nigeria) |
Artist of the Year (USA) | Chris Brown |
Best Music Video | EO – ‘German’ |
Best Producer | Da Beatfreakz |
Best Hip Hop Act | Dave (UK) |
Artist of the Year (UK) | Yxng Bane |
Best Album | Big Narstie – BDL Bipolar |
Best Radio Show | Julie Adenuga (Beats 1) |
Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
Best Radio Station | |
Best Single | Cadet & Deno Driz ‘Advice’ |
Artist of the Year (France) | MHD |
Artist of the Year (Asia) | Raxstar |
Artist of the Year (South America) | J. Balvin (Colombia) |
Artist of the Year (Caribbean) | Damian Marley |
Best Entertainer | Michael Dapaah |
Best Gospel Act | IDMC |
Best Jazz Act | Roy Ayers |
Best R&B Act | Khalid |
Best Female Act | MØ |
Best Record Label | Merky Records |
Lifetime Achievement Award | Shy FX | |
2020
The winners of the 17th annual Urban Music Awards:!Categories!WinnersBest Single
| AJ Tracey — “Ladbroke Grove” |
Best Newcomer | Hamzaa |
Best Female Act | Kara Marni |
Artist of the Year (UK)
| AJ Tracey |
Best Grime Act | Ghetts |
Best Album | AJ Tracey “AJ Tracey” |
Best Male Act | AJ Tracey |
Best Radio Show | Shortee Blitz & DJ MK (Kiss 100) |
Best Producer | Da Beatfreakz |
Best Entertainer | Spuddz |
Artist of the Year (Africa)
| Burna Boy (Nigeria) |
Best Hip hop Act | Versatile |
Best Podcast | The Receipts Podcast |
Best DJ | DJ G-A-Z |
Best Singer/Songwriter | Taliwhoah |
Best Record Label | Merky Records |
Best Jazz Act | Ezra Collective |
Best Gospel Act | Guvna B |
Artist of the Year (Caribbean) | Sean Paul (Jamaica) |
Artist of the Year (France) | |
Artist of the Year (Asia) | Arjun |
Artist of the Year (South America) | Bad Bunny |
Best Radio Station | BBC 1Xtra |
Best Group | |
Artist of the Year (USA) | Chris Brown |
Best Music Video | Mabel — “Don't Call me Up” |
Best Nightclub | O Beach Club (Ibiza) |
Best Artist Manager | Andy Varley |
Best Music Festival | Wireless Festival |
Best Publicist | Louise Mayne (We care a Lot PR) |
Best Booking Agent | Obi Asika (Echo Talent) |
Best Online Music Platform | Spotify | |
2022
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: 2009 Urban Music Awards - Vote Today! . BlackVibes.com . 12 October 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Rihanna lands four nominations for 2009 Urban Music Awards - Entertainment - DNA. Dnaindia.com . 6 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Nominations Announced For The Urban Music Awards USA . BlackVibes.com. 2 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Mark Ronson & The Business INTL - Urban Music Award nomination. Columbia Records UK . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards . STAR Magazine . 14 May 2011.
- Rihanna Leads 2009 Urban Music Awards . Contactmusic . 5 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Rihanna Leads 2009 Urban Music Awards . TeenMusic.com . 6 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: outAroad on . Urban Music Awards announces biggest collaboration yet! . OutAroad.com . 17 March 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Lil Wayne nominated for 3 Urban Music Awards . New Lil Wayne . 14 May 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120304161958/http://www.newlilwayne.com/2009/05/lil-wayne-nominated-for-3-urban-music-awards/ . 4 March 2012 . dead . dmy-all .
- Web site: Articles - Kiss News - RAJAR Q1 2011 . Kiss Confidential . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards . Express.co.uk . 6 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards . OK! Magazine. 6 May 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- http://www.theinsider.com/news/2132075_2009_Urban_Music_Awards_nominees theinsider.com
- Web site: Rihanna lands four nominations for 2009 Urban Music Awards jls . Dailyindia.com . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: RDB nominated for two Urban Music Awards . The Asian News . 20 October 2009 . 14 May 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091114153639/http://www.theasiannews.co.uk/entertainment/music/s/1177952_rdb_nominated_for_two_urban_music_awards . 14 November 2009 . dead . dmy-all .
- Web site: Urban Music Awards Launch | Urban Music Awards | News . https://archive.today/20120905191822/http://www.mtv.co.uk/events/urban-music-awards/news/40704-urban-music-awards-launch . dead . 5 September 2012 . Mtv.co.uk . 9 October 2007 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: Estelle nominated for 5 Urban Music Awards | Celebrity News . Now Magazine . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: RDB Beats Out Competition at Urban Music Awards - on . Desihits.com . 4 November 2009 . 14 May 2011.
- Web site: In Pictures: 'Arrivals for 2009 Urban Music Awards' . Monsters and Critics . 20 July 2009 . 14 May 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121002231922/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/music/features/article_1490858.php/In_Pictures_Arrivals_for_2009_Urban_Music_Awards . 2 October 2012 . dead . dmy-all .
- Aizhan Abdrakhmanova, "Past winners 2003", UMA, 1 August 2011.
- Alex Butler, "9th Urban Music Awards 2011 - Porchester Hall, Bayswater" (review), Music-News.com, October 2011.
- http://pappzd.com/2011/10/urban-music-awards-2011/ "Keeping You Relevant: Urban Music Awards 2011"
- http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/urban-music-awards-2012-and-the-winners-are/ "Urban Music Awards 2012….And The Winners Are!"
- http://lcgc.org.uk/about-us/17-2/ "Awards"
- http://www.demotix.com/news/3308730/stars-attend-11th-annual-urban-music-awards-london "Stars attend the 11th annual Urban Music Awards - London"
- http://www.gigslutz.co.uk/fuse-odg-emerges-as-king-from-the-urban-music-awards-2013/ "Fuse ODG Emerges as King From The Urban Music Awards 2013"
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rePntGoKq1s "Charlie Sloth Interview - Urban Music Awards 2013 - Best Radio Show Winner"
- Mike Benke, "Jahmene scoops accolade at Urban Music Awards", Swindon Advertiser, 25 November 2013.
- Wenn, "Laura Mvula - Laura Mvula And Avicii Win At Urban Music Awards", Contactmusic.com, 23 November 2013.
- News: Chos3n and Lady Leshurr win Urban Music Awards for Birmingham. Luke Beardsworth. 24 Nov 2015. Birmingham Mail. 28 November 2015.