Tha launch even introduced the judging panel - comprising Keith Harris (Motown Records), Bobby friction (Radio 1 DJ), Ian Parkinson (BBC Radio 1), Wendy Marr (Kiss 100), Channi Singh ('Alaap'), Nav Sagoo (Urban X), D J Ritu (Sister India), Pedro Carvalho (FNIK PR), Shabnam Rana (Virgin Mega Stores), Sumera Ahmed (Club Asia), Amar Singh (Eastern Eye), Shazia Nizam (O2) and Rahul Verman ('Metro') - who will be responsible for deciding the nominees.

Moiz Vas director of Br-Asian commented: “The team and I exceeded all our expectations last year. We are really proud to have taken our first significant steps towards putting music purchased by Urban Asians and the creators firmly on the mainstream map. However it is important that we build on this success and make the Awards further reflective and interactive.”

He continued: “We have introduced several new features this year. A a prestigious judging panel responsible for using their expertise to arrive at the nominees in each category. This will ensure the nominees are technically correct prior to the public vote. Secondly whilst many of UK’s award ceremonies are London centric the heart of Asian Music resides in the Midlands so we have introduced a BrAMA club tour with Radio 1 hosted by Bobby & Nihal which will take a flavour of the BrAMAs to British Asian music buyers across the country…more importantly it also provides a Br-Asian are proud to announce the 2004 platform for local emerging talent in key Asian conurbations to get spotted".

"Thirdly, in a business flooded by men, female artists or experts often fall of the radar, therefore we have included female experts on the judging panel and in other decision making units within the team. This will ensure the ‘make up’ of the awards remains reflective of both sexes across all categories. Finally we have introduced ‘The Br-Asian Music Seminar’ designed to educate the next breed of ‘young Asians’ with advice, connections to break into decision making roles in the mainstream music business. Br-Asian feel this will develop, sustain and further assist the cross-over growth of the Brit-Asian Music scene."

BrAMA CATEGORIES 2004

1. Best Single - Urban
2. Best Single - Desi
3. Best ALbum - Desi
4. Best Group
5. Best Asian Underground Act
6. Best MC
7. Newcomer of the Year
8. Performer of the Year
9. Best Producer
10. Best Asian Radio Station
11. Best Radio DJ
12. Best Club DJ
13. Outstanding Achievement Award
14. Committment to the Scene Award
15. Best Asian Website

BrAMA encourages all rising talent, business representatives or record labels to fill out an application form for new unsigned acts or artists signed to new record labels. All applications will be presented before the BrAMA expert panel to assess eligibility. An application form can be downloaded by visiting the official BrAMA web site at: www.brama.uk.com. Nominees will be announced on the 25 November 2004.

YEAR 2003 BrAMA WINNERS

BACKGROUND TO THE BrAMAs

The British Asian Music Awards (BrAMAs) are the definitive Award Show for the Brit Urban Asian Music Scene. Global giant B4U Music Network broadcast two exclusive versions during prime time slots in 80 countries over the Christmas period last year. British Asians decided the winners via online, SMS & interactive television voting. Recognition of both known and unknown Asian artists played a crucial role in last year’s success. In many ways it was a surprise for the mainstream music industry to discover a scene much bigger than first expected. The awards highlighted several significant personalities which over the years have contributed to the development of the British Asian Music scene.

Last year’s momentum has picked up further. It has been a fantastic year for British Asian Music. The ‘Br-Asian Experience’ attracted over 20,000 revellers at Glastonbury platforming the cream of Urban Asian Music. Juggy D’s album entered the HMV Top 20 week of release. Raghav has knocked up 3 consecutive Top 10’s and a Top 15 in the national charts. Jay Sean charted at No.6 with Eyes on You and is set to cause havoc with Stolen. Female artist Hardkaur has a 19 Management deal. Bobby & Nihal’s show on Radio 1 has moved to an earlier 9pm slot. The Rishi Rich Project host their own radio show on Kiss 100… Prepare for yet another evening guaranteed to be bursting at the seams with Urban.

Click here to view images from the BrAMA Launch Party.