E-Paper
London to host British Asian Music Awards
The Awards to be held on February 23 will provide a platform for emerging talent in key Asian conurbations.
The British Asian Music Awards (BrAMAs) have become the definitive award show for the Brit Urban Asian music scene. The BrAMAs give music buyers the unique opportunity to decide who should win an award in any of the 15 categories. Media supporters of this cutting edge ceremony include ITV, BBC Radio 1, Kiss 100 and Eastern Eye.
Last year, one million tuned in to view the ITV broadcasts of the star studded evening jointly hosted by Radio 1 presenter Nihal and Zee TV's Sangeeta. Global giant B4U Music Network broadcast two exclusive versions during prime time slots in 80 countries over the Christmas period. British Asians decided the winners via online, SMS and interactive television voting.
Recognition of both known and unknown Asian artists played a crucial role in last year's success. In many ways it was a surprise for the mainstream music industry to discover a scene much bigger than first expected. The awards highlighted several significant personalities which over the years have contributed to the development of the British Asian music scene. The 2003 Awards were bursting with adrenalin, excitement and acknowledgement as each winner was presented their award.
A 2003 review by Tom Horan in The Telegraph said: "This was a hugely inspiring night for new British music". "The freshest most innovative and exciting sounds this year have come from the Asian club world. Here, with the first ever AMAs, the scene celebrated its gate crashing of the pop mainstream... there was something in the event's familial warmth and celebration that spoke of a thousand wedding receptions".
Last year's momentum has picked up further. This year has been a fantastic year for British Asian Music. The 'Brit-Asian Experience' attracted over 20,000 revellers at Glastonbury plat forming the cream of Urban Asian Music. Juggy D's album entered the HMV Top 20 week of release. Raghav has knocked up three consecutive Top 10 and a Top 15 in the national charts. Jay Sean charted at No 6 with "Eyes on You" and is set to cause havoc with Stolen. Female artist Hardkaur has a 19 Management deal. Bobby & Nihal's show on Radio 1 has
moved to an earlier 9 pm slot. The Rishi Rich Project host their own radio show on Kiss 100. The music lovers will now have another evening guaranteed to be bursting at the seams with British Asian music.
The second anniversary will take place on February 23rd at Ocean, Hackney, in London. Over 15 cutting edge categories will reflect British Asian music with winners decided via public votes online and by SMS. A prestigious industry panel will be responsible for deciding the nominees.
Moiz Vas director of BrAMA commented: "The team and I exceeded all our expectations last year. We are really proud to have taken our first significant steps towards putting music purchased by Urban Asians and the creators firmly on the mainstream map. However, it is important that we build on this success and make the Awards further reflective and interactive."
He informed that several new features have been introduced this year. The show will also be held in the Midlands where the "heart of Asian Music resides".
The Awards 2004 show will provide a platform for local emerging talent in key Asian conurbations to get spotted across all categories. A seminar designed to educate the next breed of young Asians with advice, connections to break into decision making roles in the mainstream music business will also be held. Media Partners and the BrAMA website will announce all nominees on November 25, 2004.
