SYDNEY, Australia (Universal
Music Australia) - Get ready for the 2006 Urban
Music Awards making its debut in July this year with a super impressive line-up of both international and local artists. It is gearing up to be one of the grand-slam events of 2006 and will be proudly presented by Lowie's Hot 30 Countdown and Channel [V].
Confirmed to perform and co-host the awards show at Sydney's Homebush State Sport Centre will be legendary international artist and Grammy Award winner, DJ Jazzy Jeff (Will Smith – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Soul II Soul) and the highly successful rapper, Kurtis Blow performing his landmark 1980's hits, The Breaks and Rappers Delight.
'I'm really looking forward to coming back to Australia and being part of the first annual Urban Music Awards in July' says DJ Jazzy Jeff.
The highly anticipated 2006 Urban Music Awards will take place on Friday 21st July promising a celebration of Urban Music and its huge influence within Australia and NZ ; encompassing hip hop, R&B and soul.
Also confirmed to perform will be Australian and New Zealand artists; The Herd, Fast Crew, Jade MacRae, Israel, DJ Nino Brown, Phrase, Koolism, Weapon X & Ken Hell, Stan Bravo and Blak Genius with more highly acclaimed artists to be announced in coming weeks.
The 2006 Urban Music Awards will be hosted by a variety of well known music and entertainment industry personalities and VIP guests including Maya Jupiter and DJ Sir-Vere. With the show comprising elements of a traditional awards night and concert format to ensure the night is fast paced, energetic and above all entertaining.
Event organiser, Jade Harley says 'The 2006 Urban Music Awards will embody the street vibe so heavily associated with urban music in all it's forms and the ceremony itself will be powered by the raw energy of these music styles, featuring plenty of live international and local performers and dancers keeping the show fresh and unique.' Says Harley
'This is the first awards show of its' kind and we will be encompassing both Australia and New Zealand in the nominations as well as offering our audience the dynamic of both the prestige of an awards night and the excitement of a concert under one roof.' Harley added
2005 was a year in which new and established urban and hip hop artists left a major imprint on the Australian and New Zealand market place and this will reflect in the nominations.
The range of categories include; Best Hip Hop Single, Best Video Clip, Best Live Act, Best Club DJ, Best New Talent, with a total of 17 categories being presented on the night. The voting is driven by public votes only, making this a true representation of what records are selling and what people are listening to rather than an industry driven voting system. All voting will be conducted by the official 2006 Urban Music Awards website www.urbanmusicawards.com.au and the nominees will be the top four voted by the public in each category.
'The Urban Music Awards has been a long time in the making and with so many new artists emerging out of both territories now is the time to acknowledge that this genre of music is as strong and as recognizable as any other, it is a very exciting time. The pioneers of urban music in Australia such as Renae Geyer, Marcia Hines, Doug Williams who will be honoured and acknowledged with a special tribute to their contribution to the industry.' Harley concludes.
Tickets will be available to the general public and will go on sale in May.
