The BBC Performing Arts Fund has unveiled the 15 winners of the 2009 Urban Music Bursary awards.
The scheme, which launched in 2005, targets the urban music community and helps talented self-starters.
It provides a combination of working capital, mentoring, contacts and training so that young musicians and performers can further their careers in the industry.
In the past, Urban Music Talent applicants were selected by nomination but, this year, the scheme was open to everyone.
The response was overwhelming. Eventually, 15 winners were awarded a total of £145,000 to help them take the next step in their music careers.
The winners say…
Azadvir Singh Hayre - Music and entertainment company owner/studio engineer from Middlesex
www.myspace.com/knickerbockerglorymusic
“When I heard I got the grant I was speechless! It’s one thing being given such an amazing opportunity, but for that opportunity to materialise and allow me to pursue my dream is just on a whole different intergalactic feeling of happiness!”
Lowkey - Rapper from London
www.myspace.com/lowkeyuk
“I am pleased to have been given this grant. This money will be used to further many positive endeavours all over the world.”
Amelia Ideh - Music Promoter from London
www.putmeonit.blogspot.com
“Winning hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but the whole experience has already been one of the best of my life, from everything I’ve learned, to the inspirational people I’ve met, to the final result which is just unbelievable and the most amazing confidence boost.”
Kobi Owusu aka KOF - Rapper and producer from Liverpool
www.myspace.com/youngkofurbeatz
“Winning this award funding is great and is definitely going to enable me to put out a stronger project marketing-wise, as well as help me sustain the climb to success.”
Tom Sweetman aka 1 Step - Producer from Plymouth/Surrey/London
www.myspace.com/unpassa
“This grant is life changing and I can’t thank the BBC Performing Arts Fund team enough. Look out for 1 Step music and everything I’m involved in.”
Adebiyi Desalu - Website owner from Bucks
www.urbantickets.co.uk
“With this backing behind my business I can’t describe how excited I am about the future of the company and I want to thank the BBC Performing Arts Fund for believing in me and my ideas.”
Complete list of winners £10,000
- Obenewa, singer from London – www.myspace.com/obenewa
- KOF, rapper and producer from Liverpool – www.myspace.com/youngkofurbeatzDominic Dadson, website owner from London – www.cordless-show.com
- Lowkey, political rapper, poet and playwright from London – www.myspace.com/lowkeyuk
- 1 Step, producer from Plymouth/Surrey – www.myspace.com/unpassa
- Illum Sphere, producer/promoter/label owner from Manchester – www.myspace.com/theillumsphere
- Kulez, rapper from London – www.myspace.com/kulez
- Adebiyi Desalu, website owner from Bucks – www.urbantickets.co.uk
- Azadvir Singh Hayre, music/entertainment company owner/studio engineer, Middlesex – www.myspace.com/knickerbockerglorymusic
- Jai Amore, singer and producer from London – www.myspace.com/jaiamore
- Amelia Ideh, promoter from London – www.putmeonit.com
- Empey, producer, singer and rapper from Derby – www.myspace.com/empeymusic
- DJ Fabia, internet radio station director and DJ – www.sensei.fm
- DJ N-sway, DJ and music production company owner – www.myspace.com/therealfunk
£5,000
- Lippicool, beatboxer and student from Nottingham – www.myspace.com/lippicool
The BBC Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity that supports new talent across a range of musical genres.
The trustees include Sir Paul McCartney; Alan Yentob, Creative Director, BBC; Roger Wright; Controller, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms; and Marin Scott, BBC Excecutive Producer.
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