91Èȱ¬

The 91Èȱ¬ Performing Arts Fund today unveiled the 15 recipients of the 2009 Urban Music Bursary awards.

The scheme, which launched in 2005, is designed to target the urban music community and helps talented self-starters with big ideas and motivation by providing some working capital, mentoring, advice, contacts and training in order to further their careers in the industry.

Whereas in the past Urban Music Talent applicants had been selected by a national network of nominators, this year for the first time the scheme was open to everyone.

The response was overwhelming, as was the quality of applicants, but eventually 15 winners were awarded a total of £145,000 to help them take the next step in their music careers.

Winners will also receive individual mentoring to help them realise their impressive business plans.

The best applicants were invited for interview, where they met a panel of judges to assess their suitability for the award.

Twenty-eight applicants went on to attend a two-day residential course where they performed their own material and took part in workshops which covered business and industry information (live music, music publishing, artist management, image, radio, marketing and PR).

They also heard speakers involved in the music industry including Jack Foster and Archie Lamb, Tinchy Stryders managers, DJ G Child and producers from 91Èȱ¬ 1Xtra as well as artists Master Shortie and Sway (2005 Mobo award winner for Best Hip Hop Act).

The judging panel then shortlisted the most impressive applicants and the fund's trustees approved their decisions based on each applicant's interview, business plans and budgets.

James Hannam, one of the fund's assessors from the Performing Righs Society Foundation, says: "It was a real pleasure to work on the Urban Music Talent scheme and hear so much innovative new music.

"I'm looking forward to hearing more tracks and ideas over the coming year. Good luck to all the awardees!"

Olly Hodgson from Coda Music Agency, who spoke at the residential course, says: "It was a pleasure to be involved in this scheme. All the finalists seemed to be incredibly focused and driven and the support they were given during the selection process must stand them in the best stead possible to go on to succeed in their various fields.

"I will certainly be keeping a close eye on those who received awards."

Another assessor, Fusion, a music consultant and Head of Marketing for Urban Development, said: "I really respect the 91Èȱ¬ Performing Arts Fund and its continued support for homegrown urban talent in the UK.

"The decision to open up the tendering process this year has provided a broader range of artists with an opportunity to present their craft.

"Through the rigorous selection process the team has unearthed some real gems."

The winners

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. This really is a life-changing award and I plan to make every moment, every opportunity and every penny (that I am so incredibly lucky to receive) count to the fullest!"

Kofi 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 91Èȱ¬ 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

"The whole process has been an incredible experience and I've met some great people along the way. 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 91Èȱ¬ Performing Arts Fund for believing in me and my ideas."

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."

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!"

Complete list of winners

£10,000

Obenewa, singer from London – www.myspace.com/obenewa

KOF, rapper and producer from Liverpool – www.myspace.com/youngkofurbeatz

Dominic 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

Notes to Editors

The 91Èȱ¬ Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity that supports new talent across a range of musical genres. The fund receives revenue from voting lines of 91Èȱ¬ One entertainment programmes such as How Do You Solve A Problem like Maria? and I'd Do Anything.

The trustees of the Performing Arts Fund include Sir Paul McCartney; Alan Yentob, Creative Director, 91Èȱ¬; Roger Wright; Controller, 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3 and 91Èȱ¬ Proms; and Marin Scott, 91Èȱ¬ Excecutive Producer.

KT