Urban Music Awards
The Urban Music Awards are a hip-hop, R&B, dance, and soul music awards ceremony that was launched in the UK by Jordan Kensington in 2003 and is now held in multiple countries.
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. The 2009 return was covered by the major international press, including OK! Magazine, the Daily Express, and the Insider. 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.| Categories | Winners |
| Artist of the Year | Akon |
| Best Album | Kanye West, 808’s & Heartbreak |
| Best Gospel Act | Kirk Franklin |
| Best International Latino Act | Enrique Iglesias |
| Best Music Video | Rihanna, "Rehab" |
| Best R&B Act | Bobby V |
| Best DJ 2009 | Funkmaster Flex |
| Best Radio Station | Hot 97 |
| Bet TV show | Harlem Heights |
| Best HipHop Act | Jay-Z |
| Best Magazine | HipHop Weekly |
| Best Male Act | Bobby V |
| Best Collaboration | Ron Browz ft. Jim Jones & Juelz Santana, "Pop Champagne" |
| Best Female Act | Rihanna |
| Best International Reggae Act | Mavado |
| Best Producer | Swizz Beatz |
| Best Single | Kid Cudi, "Day & Night" |
| UMA Living Legend Award | KRS-One |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Grandmaster Flash |
| - |
2003: 1st Year
The awards took place in Hammersmith Palais.| 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 |
| Rock/Pop Artist Of The Year | John Taglieri |
| Best Unsigned Act Sponsored by Xtreme Talent | Transformerz |
2004
The awards took place at the Barbican.| 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.| 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.| 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.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Reggae Act | Sean Paul |
| Best Underground DJ | Cameo |
| Best Radio Station | Choice FM |
| Best Jazz Act | Courtney Pine |
| Best Club Night | Twice as Nice |
| Best Neo Soul Act | Nate James |
| Best Garage Act | N-Dubz |
| Best Drum & Bass DJ/Act | Shy FX |
| Best Gospel Act | Raymond & Co |
| Best Independent Record Label | Big Dadda Recordings |
| Best UK Radio DJ | DJ 279 |
| Best Album | Lemar, Truth about Love |
| Best TV Show | Popworld |
| Best Newcomer | Mr. Midas |
| Best R&B Act | Nathan |
| Best HipHop Act | Wiley |
| Best Magazine | Young Voices |
| Most inspiring Act | Dizzee Rascal |
| Best Website | Myspace |
| Best Crossover Chart Act | Just Jack |
| Best Producer | Davinche |
| Best Music Video | Natalie Williams, "This Girl" |
| Best Entrepreneur | Tim Campbell |
2008
The awards took place at O2 Arena.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Album | Leona Lewis, Spirit |
| Best Collaboration | Estelle ft. Kanye West, "American Boy" |
| Best Crossover Chart Act | Booty Luv |
| Best Dance Act | Wideboys |
| Best DJ | Mister Jam |
| Best Entrepreneur | Lethal Bizzle |
| Best Gospel Act | 29th Chapter |
| Best Group | Roll Deep |
| Best HipHop Act | Sway |
| Best Independent Label | Boy Better Know |
| Best Jazz Act | Adele |
| Best Neo Soul Act | Amy Winehouse |
| Best Newcomer | Chipmunk |
| Best Magazine | Young Voices |
| Best Music Video | Tinchy Stryder ‘Stryderman’ |
| Best Producer | Fraser T Smith |
| Best R&B | Leona Lewis |
| Best Radio Station | Choice FM |
| Best TV Show/Film | Nokia Green Room |
| Best UK Radio DJ | Rickie and Melvin |
| Best Website | Myspace.com/thehookup |
| Most Inspiring Act | Bashy |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Mica Paris |
| Outstanding Achievement Award | DJ Luck & MC Neat |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Finley Quaye |
| - |
2009
The awards took place at Wembley Arena.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Album | N-Dubz Uncle B |
| Best Dance Act | Calvin Harris |
| Best DJ | Swerve |
| Best Group | 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.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Album | N-Dubz, Against all Odds |
| Best Collaboration | Tinie Tempah ft. Labyrinth, "Pass Out" |
| Best Dance Act | 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.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Collaboration | Chipmunk ft. Chris Brown, "Champion" |
| Best Male Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Best Female Artist | Jessie J |
| International Artist of the Year | Chris Brown |
| Best Album | Beverley Knight, Soul UK |
| Best HipHop | Wretch 32 |
| Best Single | Wretch 32 ft Example, "Unorthodox" |
| Best Music Video | Wretch 32 ft Example, "Unorthodox" |
| Artist of the Year | Wretch 32 |
| Best Newcomer | Emeli Sandé |
| Best DJ | Nikki |
| Best Dance Act | DJ Fresh ft Sian Evans, "Louder" |
| Best Radio Station | Kiss |
| Best Radio Show | Twin B |
| Best Producer | Benny Benassi |
| Best R&B Act | Emeli Sandé |
2012
The awards took place at Grand Connaught.| Categories | Winners |
| Best Newcomer | Sneakbo |
| Best Hip Hop Act | Sway |
| Best Female Act | Lady Leshurr |
| Best MusicVideo | Rudimental, "Feel the Love" |
| Best Grime Act | Big Narstie |
| Best Gospel Act | London Community Gospel Choir |
| Best Radio Show | Charlie Sloth |
| Best African/Afro beats | Fuse ODG |
| Best R&B Act | Lemar |
| Best Single | Azealia Banks ft. Lazy Jay, "212" |
| Artist of the year | Rita Ora |
| Best Male Artist | Maverick Sabre |
| Best Group | Clement Marfo & The Frontline |
| Best Collaboration | Devlin ft. Ed Sheeran, "Watchtower" |
| Best Producer | Pavilion |
| Best International Artist | Chris Brown |
| Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
| Best Album | Rihanna, Talk that Talk |
| Best Reggae Act | Mavado |
| Best Electronic/ Dance Act | DJ Act |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Norman Jay M.B.E |
2013
The awards took place at Grand Connaught.| Categories | Winners |
| Best International Act | Bruno Mars |
| Best Album | Naughty Boy, Hotel Cabana |
| Best Radio Station | Kiss FM |
| Best R&B Act | Mike Hough |
| Best Reggae Act | Sean Paul |
| Best Radio Show | Charlie Sloth |
| Best Newcomer | Jahmene Douglas |
| Best Single | Fuse ODG |
| Best Female Act | Laura Mvula |
| Best Mal Artist | Ghetts |
| Best Hiphop Act | Krept & Konan |
| Best Electronic Dance Act | Avicii |
| Best Group | Krept & Konan |
| Best African/ Afrobeats Act | Atumpan |
| Best Gospel Act | Guvna B |
| Best Music Video | Fuse ODG ft. Wyclef, "Antenna" |
| Best Grime Act | Big Narstie |
| Best Collaboration | Fuse ODG ft. Wyclef |
| Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
| Best Producer | Diplo |
2014
Winners for the Urban Music Awards 2014 included:| 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 |
| 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.| 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 |
| 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" |
| Best Music Channel | Channel AKA |
| Best Clothing Brand | Dench |
| Best Music PR Company | Ditto Music |
2016
| Categories | Winners |
| Best 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
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Newcomer | Not3s |
| Artist of the Year | MHD |
| Artist of the Year | Jupitar |
| Artist of the Year | Chris Brown |
| Artist of the Year | Mumzy Stranger |
| Artist of the Year | C-Kan |
| Best Music Video | Lady Leshurr — ‘Juice’ |
| Artist of the Year | Damien Marley |
| Artist of the Year | Ed Sheeran |
| Best Album | Wretch 32 — Growing Over Life |
| Best Pop Act | Zayn |
| Best Entertainer | Mo |
| Best International Act | DJ Khaled |
| Best Producer | The Fanatix |
| Best DJ | Tiffany Calver |
| Best Radio Show | Ras Kwame |
| Best Grime Act | Stormzy |
| Best Gospel Act | Hope Dealers |
| Best Single | Sneakbo Feat. Giggs — ‘Active’ |
| Best HipHop Act | Fekky |
| Best Male Act | Kojo Funds |
| Best Jazz Act | Ezra Collective |
| Best R&B Act | Angel |
| Best Female Act | Lady Leshurr |
| Best Group | Krept & Konan |
| Best Record Label | Disturbing London |
| Best Radio Station | Capital Xtra |
| Lifetime Achievement Awards | Omar |
2018
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Newcomer | Big Zuu |
| Best International Artist | Drake |
| Best Group | Lotto Boyz |
| African Artist of the Year | Davido |
| Artist of the Year | Chris Brown |
| Best Music Video | EO – ‘German’ |
| Best Producer | Da Beatfreakz |
| Best Hip Hop Act | Dave |
| Artist of the Year | Yxng Bane |
| Best Album | Big Narstie – BDL Bipolar |
| Best Radio Show | Julie Adenuga |
| Best DJ | Shortee Blitz |
| Best Radio Station | BBC 1Xtra |
| Best Single | Cadet & Deno Driz ‘Advice’ |
| Artist of the Year | MHD |
| Artist of the Year | Raxstar |
| Artist of the Year | J. Balvin |
| Artist of the Year | 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
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Single | AJ Tracey — "Ladbroke Grove" |
| Best Newcomer | Hamzaa |
| Best Female Act | Kara Marni |
| Artist of the Year | AJ Tracey |
| Best Grime Act | Ghetts |
| Best Album | AJ Tracey AJ Tracey |
| Best Male Act | AJ Tracey |
| Best Radio Show | Shortee Blitz & DJ MK |
| Best Producer | Da Beatfreakz |
| Best Entertainer | Spuddz |
| Artist of the Year | Burna Boy |
| 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 | Sean Paul |
| Artist of the Year | Aya Nakamura |
| Artist of the Year | Arjun |
| Artist of the Year | Bad Bunny |
| Best Radio Station | BBC 1Xtra |
| Best Group | Kokoroko |
| Artist of the Year | Chris Brown |
| Best Music Video | Mabel — "Don't Call me Up" |
| Best Nightclub | O Beach Club |
| Best Artist Manager | Andy Varley |
| Best Music Festival | Wireless Festival |
| Best Publicist | Louise Mayne |
| Best Booking Agent | Obi Asika |
| Best Online Music Platform | Spotify |
2022
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Producer | Steel Banglez |
| Best Collaboration | Beyoncé feat. Shatta Wale & Major Lazer — "Already" |
| Artist of the Year | Ghetts |
| Best Grime Act | D Double E — "Double of Northing" |
| Best Male Act | Dave |
| Artist of the Year | Drake |
| Most Creative Artist | Soulja Boy |
| Best Album | Ghetts — Conflict of Interest |
| Artist of the Year | Wizkid |
| Best HipHop Act | Nas — "King's Disease" |
| Best R&B Act | Rebecca Garton — "Take me Home" |
| Best Female Act | Jaz Karis |
| Best Music Video | Avelino ft. Not3s & Young — "Control" |
| Best DJ | Kenny Allstar |
| Best Record Label | BMG |
| Artist of the Year | Sean Paul |
| Best Jazz Act | Esperanza Spalding |
| Best Radio Station | BBC 1Xtra |
| Artist of the Year | Tay C |
| Artist of the Year | Daddy Yankee |
| Best Radio Show | The Marcus Nasty Show |
| Best Entertainer | Stevo the Madman |
| Artist of the Year | Rika |
| Best Podcast | Who We Be Talks |
| Best Group | D Block Europe |
| Best Single | Olakira — "Maserati" |
| Best Newcomer | Backroad Gee |
| Best Singer/Songwriter | Kevin Davy White — "With You" |
| Best Gospel Act | Lurine Cato |
| Best Online Music Platform | TikTok |