Official press releases, sponsor announcements, nomination news and media coverage from the Urban Music Awards.
9+
Sponsor Stories
12+
Nomination Releases
10+
Media Features
The iconic Urban Music Awards marked its 20th anniversary at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria — a sold-out celebration of South Africa's finest musical talents, unforgettable performances, and heartfelt tributes to industry legends.
Vita24, the proudly South African sugar-free daily vitamin booster, is announced as Official Silver Category Sponsor for the 20th Anniversary Urban Music Awards South Africa on 4 May 2025 at Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria — securing naming rights to Best Newcomer and Best Radio Station.
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The Urban Music Awards marks its 20th anniversary with a historic global expansion, launching UMA South Africa on 4 May 2025 at the Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria — broadcast live on VooVix TV. Full nominees list inside.
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Drake, Beyonce, Stormzy, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled and Central Cee headline the shortlist for the 19th annual Urban Music Awards, set for 28 February 2023 at Porchester Hall, London — broadcast live on VooVix TV. Full nominations list inside.
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The Urban Music Awards reveal the 2023 Best Newcomer nominees: Nippa, Tamera, AMARIA BB, ML, Kali Claire, Karl Benjamin, Tendai, Akemi Fox, ENNY and Libianca — a diverse class of rising stars from across the UK, USA, Canada and Zimbabwe.
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The UK's leading celebration of urban music marked its 19th anniversary in London with unforgettable performances, Billy Ocean's Lifetime Achievement Award, and big wins for Chris Brown, Sean Paul, Karl Benjamin and more.
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The UMA celebrates its 18th anniversary on Valentine's Day 2022, releasing the full shortlist of nominees with Ghetts, Drake and Beyoncé leading the pack across over 30 categories.
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Chris Brown picks up four nominations at the Urban Music Awards — Artist of the Year USA, Best Collaboration for 'Call Me Every Day' with Wizkid, Best Album for 'Breezy' and Most Inspiring Act. The ceremony takes place 28 February in London, broadcast live on VooVix TV.
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Mauritius launches MUMA, its own annual edition of the Urban Music Awards, with the first ceremony live from La Vallee Village, Pamplemousse — and a full winners list led by Bigg Frankii, Laura Beg and Lifetime Achievement honourees Cassiya.
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Paloma Faith announces her fourth album 'The Architect' — featuring Sia, John Legend, Samuel L. Jackson and more — released 17th November, with a full UK arena tour in March 2018.
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Tottenham's Wretch 32 announces his fourth studio album F R 32 — a 12-track project of honest, freedom-inspired music arriving October 13th.
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UMA hits the streets of South London to ask the 'Tenants' what they really think of Giggs' new album 'Landlord' — with guest reviews from Damien (SE13) and Stacey (SW9).
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UMA and Phonaudio catch up with five-time No.1 artist Jess Glynne ahead of her Sandown Park Racecourse show — plus an exclusive competition to win review tickets.
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The Urban Music Awards partners with Mokingo.com to launch UMA Africa, honouring Prince Eyango for his humanitarian efforts and outstanding contribution to music at the BKPS & Mother Teresa College anniversary celebrations in Douala, Cameroon.
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Over 770,000 public votes decided the 13th annual Urban Music Awards. Lady Leshurr took a record three awards, Stormzy won Best Male Act, and Big Narstie, Rudimental, Drake and Shortee Blitz all went home with trophies.
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Over 2.5 million public votes decided the 12th annual Urban Music Awards. Nile Rodgers took Lifetime Achievement, General Levy Outstanding Contribution, and Neon Jungle, Nico & Vinz, Ghetts and Giggs all went home with awards.
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Past UMA nominee Example sits down with Karl Thompson (aka DJ Carlos) to talk rise to fame, records and why Wretch 32 is his biggest inspiration. #UMAThrowbackEveryDay
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From a childhood soundtracked by The Specials to the passing of a global icon, Jordan Kensington reflects on Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy of love, forgiveness and equality.
View ReleaseM.A.C Cosmetics, the professional makeup artist brand, becomes the official makeup sponsor of the Urban Music Awards 2007 and sponsor of the Best Producer category — its first year partnering with the UMA.
View ReleaseThe 5th Annual Kickers Urban Music Awards launches in London with triple nominations for Mutya Buena, Lemar, Dizzee Rascal and Just Jack. UB40 named Lifetime Achievement recipient and Gabrielle collects Outstanding Achievement at the ceremony on 3 November 2007.
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The Urban Music Awards today announces the official nominations for the 24th Annual UMA UK — over 1.5 million public submissions, 28 categories spanning Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Amapiano, R&B, Dancehall, Grime and Soul, with public voting open now through 27 June 2026.
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Bacardí returns for a third successive year as official spirits partner of the Urban Music Awards, bringing the rum brand's legendary afterparty energy to the 24th Annual UMA ceremony in London.
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New territories and partnerships signal the next chapter in the UMA's mission to celebrate urban music worldwide — Asia and South America join the existing UK, USA, South Africa, Caribbean and Mauritius editions.
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From breakthrough performances to history-making Hall of Fame inductions — a look back at the moments that defined two decades of urban music celebration at the UMA.
View ReleaseAmapiano and Afrobeats led a record-breaking night of wins at the most-attended ceremony in UMA history. Full winners list and red carpet highlights inside.
View ReleasePublic voting is now open for the 23rd Annual Urban Music Awards UK. Discover who has been nominated across all 28 categories — the public vote is all that counts.
View ReleaseRed Bull returns for a second year as Official Energy Partner of the Urban Music Awards, powering the UMA Studios live sessions and the official afterparty.
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A new wave of talent took home the night's biggest honours, with Afrobeats and Amapiano artists dominating the winners' list at the 23rd Annual UMA.
View ReleaseThe 10th anniversary of the UMA South Africa edition nominations are revealed, with Amapiano, Afrobeats and South African Hip Hop leading the public vote.
View ReleaseThe world's most popular audio streaming subscription service joins the Urban Music Awards as Official Streaming Partner, powering the official UMA playlists across all territories.
Read Full StoryThe South African edition returned to Johannesburg for a landmark 10th anniversary, with Amapiano taking home the night's top honours in front of a sold-out crowd.
View ReleaseThe 22nd Annual Urban Music Awards nominations are revealed. Hundreds of thousands of public nominations submitted in record time — voting opens now.
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BET, the home of Black entertainment, joins the Urban Music Awards as Official Broadcast Partner, extending UMA coverage to audiences across the UK and USA.
Read Full StoryThe Urban Music Awards Hall of Fame welcomes its inaugural class of inductees, honouring the pioneers, icons and lifetime achievement recipients who shaped the global urban sound.
View ReleaseThe Urban Music Awards expands to the African continent with a new edition celebrating the global Afrobeats movement from its source.
View ReleaseGoogle Pixel joins the Urban Music Awards as Official Photography Partner, capturing every red carpet and backstage moment with Pixel's celebrated camera.
Read Full StoryAfter a year of virtual celebrations, the Urban Music Awards confirms the 21st Annual ceremony will return to a live London audience with full red carpet and broadcast.
View ReleaseThe UMA pivoted to a global virtual broadcast, uniting fans across territories and keeping the culture celebrated when the world stayed home.
View ReleaseHeineken joins the 20th Annual Urban Music Awards as Official Beer Partner, pouring across the ceremony and official afterparties in London.
Read Full StoryThe 20th Anniversary UMA nominations are in — featuring the biggest names in UK and international urban music. Vote now for your favourite.
View ReleaseThe Urban Music Awards Hall of Fame welcomes a class of legendary producers and songwriters whose work shaped two decades of hits.
View ReleaseApple Music joins the Urban Music Awards as Official Streaming Partner, curating the official UMA playlists and exclusive ceremony performances.
Read Full StoryBacardí begins its long-running partnership with the Urban Music Awards, sponsoring the official afterparty and Best Dance Act category.
Read Full StoryThe 18th Annual Urban Music Awards nominations span 24 categories, with Grime and Afrobeats artists leading the public vote.
View ReleaseThe UMA launches a new public voting platform, putting the power directly in the hands of music fans across all territories and categories.
View ReleasePress & Media
The Guardian
Urban Music Awards: How the Public Vote Reshaped the Genre
July 2025
The Independent
UMA 2025: A Record-Breaking Night for Afrobeats and Amapiano
July 2025
Evening Standard
Stars Light Up London for the 23rd Annual Urban Music Awards
July 2025
NME
UMA 2025: The Best Performances and Red Carpet Moments
July 2025
Billboard
How the Urban Music Awards Became a Global Force
June 2025
Complex
The Winners and Surprises That Defined the Urban Music Awards
May 2025
Mixmag
Amapiano Takes Over as UMA South Africa Returns to Johannesburg
October 2024
Time Out London
Best Events This Summer: The Urban Music Awards Ceremony
June 2024
GQ UK
Inside the Most Glamorous Night on the British Music Calendar
July 2024
Rolling Stone UK
The Style and Sound Moments That Defined UMA 2024
July 2024
For press releases, interview requests, photography accreditation, and broadcast rights for the 24th Annual Urban Music Awards 2026.
Press Releases
45 releases
Sponsor Stories
20+ partners
Media Coverage
10 features
Ceremony Reports
23 annual editions
