The 17th anniversary of the Urban Music Awards took place on the 14th of February 2020 and it was a huge success. Beginning at 6:30pm with a range of celebrities from the world of music, television, sports and film walking the red carpet. The awards show which celebrated 17 years of an awards show that was born to support 100% British talent and now has expanded with versions in the USA, Caribbean, and more saw four new categories included to showcase all the territories that had now grown a huge community of urban music fans. From South America all the way to Asia, there were representatives from all across the globe. The awards show on Friday (14th of Feb.2020) was hosted by UMA Founder Jordan Kensington , BBC 1 Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon and award winning Dancer/Choreographer, Sherrie Silver. Amazing performances from Kate Stewart,IDMC, Neo soul legend Omar, Egypt, DANEX, and many more. AJ Tracey dominated proceedings winning a record three awards for Best Album, Artist of the Year UK and Best Single for “Ladbroke Grove”.
Since 2003, the UMA’s historically were the first known music awards show to open up the nominations/voting process for music fans to nominate and vote for their favourites in all our categories. This year (2020), the academy received over 3.5 million music fans nominating online.
The artists/producers/organisations with the highest nominations are automatically shortlisted and the public are given the chance to vote for the winners in all respective categories for the 17th annual Urban Music Awards sponsored by Dechavel.
For 17 years, the Urban Music Awards has not just changed the face of music worldwide as we know it. But, has changed lives, made unknown genres started in pirate stations, council estates, to become worldwide recognisable genres. From Garage to Dubstep, Sublow, to Drum & Bass, Grime, to Bassline, Reggae, to Afrobeat, the UMA’s has been through all the changes and more. Important is the future of young talent who need a platform to nurture their talent, learn the craft, study the inside outs of the business, learn about finance and most importantly learn about how to build a sustainable career in music.
Winners of the 17th Annual Urban Music Awards 2020 below
Best Single sponsored by Santa Ana
AJ Tracey “Ladbroke Grove”
Best Newcomer
Hamzaa
Best Female Act
Kara Marni
Artist of the Year (UK) sponsored by Dechavel
AJ Tracey
Best Grime Act
Ghetts
Best Album
AJ Tracey “AJ Tracey”
Best Male Act sponsored by Tribe All
AJ Tracey
Best Radio Show
Shortee Blitz & DJ MK ( Kiss 100)
Best Producer
Da Beatfreakz
Best Entertainer
Spuddz
Artist of the Year Africa – Sponsored by Godgiven Talent
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)
Aya Nakamura
Artist of the Year (Asia)
Arjun
Artist of the Year (South America)
Bad Bunny
Best Radio Station
BBC 1Xtra
Best Group
Kokoroko
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
Plans on the way for the 18th anniversary of the Urban Music Awards taking place on the 14th of February 2021. If you would like to get involved as a sponsor or official brand partner. E-mail: sean.fuller@urbanmusicawards.net