RISHI, JAY & RAGHAV TOP ASIAN MUSIC AWARDS 2004
(17 June 2004)

Rishi Rich, Jay Sean and Raghav are likely to headline the UK Asian Music Awards 2004 when voting beings on June 17th. Numerous acts and celebrities have already confirmed their attendance at this year's ceremony including B21, Frisky DJ, Sahara, Surinder Rattan, PCUK, Mixstresses, Raghav, UK Apache, Panjabi Hit Squad from 1Extra, Hanif, Spellbound, Metz & Trix & Sanj Sanj.

The success of the 2003 Awards showed the real need for an official form of recognition for the UK Asian music scene, which has been building for well over 20 years. Last year, voting for all categories which included Best RnB single and Best Bhangra Album was carried out by the public through the internet and an innovative SMS voting system. Amongst those that were recognised for their immense contribution in changing the face and perceptions of the industry were Nitin Sawhney, Apache Indian and Bally Sagoo who received the Lifetime achievement Award.

Amongst the new categories added in the Awards this year are:

• UK AMA for Best Urban DJ
• UK AMA for Best Urban Act
• UK AMA Unsigned

Abs Shaid, founder and senior partner of UK AMA Ltd said: "The Asian community saw its first entry into the mainstream charts with Apache Indian, followed by Babylon Zoo, White Town, Bally Sagoo and Cornershop, over the next 10 years. In 2003 we not only saw the likes of Rishi Rich and Panjabi MC make their mark, but we saw major mainstream artists taking inspiration from our music, which is a great compliment to every single person who has been involved in the Asian scene."

"Urban music recognition is important, added Abs. It's also about understanding that Asians listen to mainstream music as well. It's about unity. That's why we're presenting new categories this year".

2004 is set to be another landmark year for Asian music and its integration into the mainstream marketplace. Artists such as Raghav and Jay Sean, as well as key programming on Radio 1, Galaxy and Kiss FM presented by DJs such as Bobby Friction, Nihal, Panjabi Hit Squad and Shaanti Collective is without a doubt another huge step in the future of the industry.

AMA 2004 CATEGORIES

UK AMA for Best Single.
UK AMA for Best Album
UK AMA for Best Group
UK AMA for Best Asian Underground Act
UK AMA for Best International Artist
UK AMA for Best Club DJ
UK AMA Unsigned
UK AMA for Best Urban Act
UK AMA for Best MC
UK AMA for Best Newcomer
UK AMA for Best Producer
UK AMA for Best Asian Radio Station
UK AMA for Best Radio DJ
UK AMA for Best Asian Publication
UK AMA for Best Asian Website
UK AMA for Best Asian TV Programme
UK AMA Outstanding Achievement Award
UK AMA for Best Asian TV Channel
UK AMA Honorary Award for Contribution to the Scene
UK AMA SECRET Award! (Announced at the event)

Voting for key categories of the 2004 UK Asian Music Awards can be carried out by logging on to www.theukasianmusicawards.com or which will be available from June 17th.