12 October 2011 (gig)
03 October 2011
The hotly anticipated 9th annual Urban Music Awards took place last week in London, to celebrate the success of urban music over the past year. Jessie J, Example, Kelly Rowland, Tim Westwood, Adele, Katy B, Tinie Tempah, Loick Essien and Ed Sheeran are just a few stars who join a list of nominees for Europe’s biggest annual urban music awards show. The night belonged to one artist though as Wretch 32 scooped up 4 awards out of his 6 nominations, including Best single, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Music Video, and Artist of the Year.
Also gracing the awards was rapper Mann who’s recent single ‘Buzzin’ has received huge success in the charts and was performed on the night by him to an excited audience. He told reporters “I’m a fan of everyone that’s been nominated and I’m just happy to be here”. On the night other performances included Starboy Nathan, new girl group Vida, US R&B superstar Jeremiah and the very talented newcomer Bluey Robinson.
Other stars on the night included reality TV stars from The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea, who all surprisingly expressed their love for urban music, with Ollie from Made in Chelsea saying “Return of the Mac is my favourite song of all time”. David Hasselhoff also attended and presented an award, adding “It’s great to be here at the Urban Music Awards. Britain has got so much talent and tonight certainly proved it. I particularly love the band Will and the People who definitely were my best act on the night”.
The highlight of the evening had to be Wretch 32’s success on the night as his strong standing has cemented him within the UK music industry. Commenting on his award success, Wretch explained it is now his tenth year of making music, so to sweep up four awards this year was a big deal to him. Sponsored by Corona, the awards overall were a huge triumph, with over 1.2 million fans taking part in the voting process. The positive vibe at the awards combined with the success of UK artist’s has proved that urban music is stronger than ever....with everyone looking forward to further achievements in 2012!
Winners list:
Best radio station: Kiss
Best producer 2011: Benny Benassi
Best dance act: dj fresh feat. Sian evans
Best radio show: twin b
Best r'n'b act: emeli sande
Best dj: dj nikki
Britain's next urban superstar: Vida
Best music video: wretch 32 ft. Example
Best female act 2011: jessie j
Artist of the year 2011: wretch 32
International Artist of the year: Chris Brown
Best male artist: ed sheeran
Best album: beverly knight 'soul uk'
Life time achievement award: tim westwood
