The 'Under the Influence' hitmaker takes home Artist of the Year (USA) and Best Album for 2022's star-studded LP 'Breezy' at the 19th edition of the award-giving ceremony.
- Mar 2, 2023
AceShowbiz - Chris Brown was the big winner at the 2023 Urban Music Awards (UMA). The U.S. musician took home Artist of the Year (USA) and Best Album for 2022's star-studded LP "Breezy" at the 19th edition of the ceremony, which was held at London's Porchester Hall on Tuesday night, February 28, and broadcast live on VooVix TV.
He beat Beyonce Knowles, Lizzo, Drake, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Coi Leray, GloRilla, Latto, 21 Savage, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow to the accolade. Dancehall legend Sean Paul was handed the Artist of the Year (Caribbean) Award.
He said during his acceptance speech, "I [would] like to thank the Urban Music Awards for supporting me throughout all these years. I really appreciate this award."
Bugzy Malone was the recipient of the Most Inspiring Artist award, while Billy Ocean received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Elsewhere, U.K. outfit Heartless Crew received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award in honour of their 30th anniversary. Documentary maker Louis Theroux, DJ-and-presenter Gok Wan and Noughties R+B star Lemar were among those performing hosting duties at the bash.
This year also saw VooVix TV re-launch its flagship reality TV show, "Britain's Next Urban Superstar". Founder and President of the UMA's, Jordan Kensington, commented, "The UMA's at it's core has always been about mentoring, nurturing and assisting the next generation of artists as well as celebrating the present class of amazing breakthrough talent. 2023 marks 19 years of tenacity, hard work and perseverance. To see the aftermath of urban music becoming the new popular genre worldwide is a huge dream we had 19 years ago. We are both excited and pleased that hard work and consistency paid off."
The full winners list is:
- Best Producer: Steel Banglez
- Best Collaboration: Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran –"Peru"
- Artist of the Year (UK): Cleo Sol
- Best Grime Act: D Double E
- Best Male Act: Karl Benjamin
- Artist of the Year ( USA ): Chris Brown
- Most Creative Artist: Ivorian Doll
- Best Album: Chris Brown "Breezy"
- Best Performance in a TV Show: Noeva – "A Woman's Worth" (The Voice UK)
- Artist of the Year Africa: Stanley Enow (Cameroon)
- Best HipHop Act: Dave
- Best R+B Act: Karl Benjamin
- Best Female Act: AMARIA BB
- Best Music Video: Stormzy "Hide and Seek"
- Best DJ: Kenny Allstar
- Best Record Label: Warner Records
- Artist of the Year (Caribbean): Sean Paul
- Best Jazz Act: Camilla George
- Best Radio Station: "BBC 1 Xtra"
- Artist of the Year (France): Aya Nakamura
- Artist of the Year (South America): Bad Bunny
- Best Radio Show: Nadia Jae ("BBC 1Xtra")
- Best Entertainer: Big Narstie
- Artist of the Year Asia: Lee Hi (South Korea)
- Best Podcast: "Who We Be Talks"
- Best Group: D Block Europe
- Best Single: RAYE "The Thrill is Gone"
- Best Newcomer: Karl Benjamin
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Shae Universe
- Best Gospel Act: Reblah
- Best Online Music Platform: TikTok
- Best Viral Breakthrough Song: Bayanni - "Ta Ta Ta"
- Best Drill Act: Russ Millions
- Most Inspiring Act: Bugzy Malone
