NEWS: The African Music Awards Launch In London

Wednesday night saw an array of guests come out for the African Music Awards Press Launch in Covent Garden. Attendees included Choice FM’s DJ Abrantee, TV Presenter Angelica Bell, Big Brother contestant Aislyne and UK rapper Scorcher, to name but a few.

The very short evening, hosted by ITV’s Charlene White, consisted of two performances, some uplifting words from UK rapper Sway (whom, to everyone’s dismay, didn’t perform) and a bit of background information from the founder and creator of the AMA’s, Eric McKaiser Adu.

Alongside the awards, this year, there has also been a competition run for unsigned musicians. Arican Music Unsigned is giving all unsigned artists the chance to win a recording and management deal with AM Records. The finalists will perform at the AMA Awards in October, and winners will be voted for by the public online and via SMS. The competition is open to all musicians of African origin.

Year on year, it seems the AMA’s just keep on getting better. Confirmed hosts for the night this year are Simon Webbe and Genevieve Nnaji, and with the likes of Tinchy Stryder, Rebbie Jackson and D’Banj as confirmed acts, it’s looking like this years award show is set to top the last.

The awards will take place on the 15th of October at Wembley Arena. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the AMA website.

Continue reading to find out more about the AMA's.

Sway with AMA CEO Eric McKaiser Adu

Chocolate Doll & Sway

Scorcher

African Musician Atongo

Established in 2003 by Mr McKaiser Adu, the AMA’s aim is to provide a platform for artists of African origin so that their music can be showcased far beyond the ‘four walls’ of Africa. The first awards show took place back in 2008, making this its third year running.

Every year the organisers donate 20% of all proceeds from ticket sales to a charity. This year, they will be working alongside UNICEF UK to help children in Africa suffering from the impact of HIV and Aids. As well as this there will be a charity single, ‘Africa’, which has been recorded by Perpetuum Jazzile.

The single will be released on October the 11th.