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 recognise 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
Jay Z Winner of Urban Music Awards
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 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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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
London Community Gospel
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
Winners
Best 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
Winners
Best 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 [1]
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
Winners
Best Album
Giggs — “Landlord ”
Best Pop Act(sponsored by VooVix)
Craig David
Best International Act
Drake
Best Producer
Jonas Blue
Best DJ(sponsored by Phonaudio)
Kenny Allstar
Best Radio Show(sponsored by Phonaudio)
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(sponsored by Mokingo)
Mista Silva
Best R&B Act(sponsored by VooVix)
Angel
Best Female Act
Laura Mvula
Best Group
Section Boyz
Best Record Label
All Around the World
Best TV Channel(sponsored by Zagatti Gourmet Experience and The Forklab)
Channel AKA
Best Radio Station
The Beat London 103.6FM
Best PR Company
Ditto Music
UMA Living Legend(sponsored by Hpnotiq)
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
Winners
Best 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
BBC 1Xtra
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
Winners
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
2022
References
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^ "Mark Ronson & The Business INTL - Urban Music Award nomination" . Columbia Records UK. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards" . STAR Magazine. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
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^ "Lil Wayne nominated for 3 Urban Music Awards" . New Lil Wayne. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "Articles - Kiss News - RAJAR Q1 2011" . Kiss Confidential. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ a b "Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards" . Express.co.uk. 6 May 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "Rihanna leads 2009 Urban Music Awards" . OK! Magazine . 6 May 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ theinsider.com [permanent dead link ]
^ "Rihanna lands four nominations for 2009 Urban Music Awards jls" . Dailyindia.com. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "RDB nominated for two Urban Music Awards" . The Asian News. 20 October 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "Urban Music Awards Launch | Urban Music Awards | News" . Mtv.co.uk. 9 October 2007. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "Estelle nominated for 5 Urban Music Awards | Celebrity News" . Now Magazine. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "RDB Beats Out Competition at Urban Music Awards - on" . Desihits.com. 4 November 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ "In Pictures: 'Arrivals for 2009 Urban Music Awards' " . Monsters and Critics. 20 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2011 .
^ 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.
^ "Keeping You Relevant: Urban Music Awards 2011" Archived 29 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine , Pappzd, 4 October 2011.
^ "Urban Music Awards 2012….And The Winners Are!" , Flavourmag, 2 December 2012.
^ "Awards" , LCGC website.
^ "Stars attend the 11th annual Urban Music Awards - London" Archived 29 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine , Demotix, 22 November 2013.
^ "Fuse ODG Emerges as King From The Urban Music Awards 2013" , Gigslutz.
^ "Charlie Sloth Interview - Urban Music Awards 2013 - Best Radio Show Winner" , YouTube.
^ 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.
^ Luke Beardsworth (24 November 2015). "Chos3n and Lady Leshurr win Urban Music Awards for Birmingham" . Birmingham Mail . Retrieved 28 November 2015 .
External links