Urban Music
Academy & Awards
Supporting, mentoring, and empowering artists, producers, and creatives to build extraordinary careers in music — since 1999. Founded by Jordan Kensington.
1999
Founded by Jordan Kensington
3.9M+
Peak Global Votes
23
Annual Ceremonies
6
Global Editions
30+
Award Categories
25+
Years of Excellence
The World's #1
Urban Music Awards
Founded in 1999, Jordan Kensington first established the UMA Academy to teach musicians, artists, and creatives how to become entrepreneurs and build sustainable careers in the music industry.
The first Urban Music Awards ceremony launched in London in 2003 at Hammersmith Palais. Since then, the UMA has grown into a truly global phenomenon — expanding into the USA in 2007, the Caribbean in 2008, Asia in 2010, South America in 2014, and most recently, South Africa in 2025 at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
The UMA celebrates Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Dance, Amapiano, Afrobeats, Soul, Reggae, Dancehall, Grime, Drill, Garage, House, and all genres of global urban music culture — voted for by millions of fans worldwide.
What We Do
Four pillars of the Urban Music Awards
Annual Music Awards
The Urban Music Awards — the world's biggest public-voted urban music ceremony — celebrating Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Grime, Soul, Gospel, Reggae, Dancehall, Amapiano and global urban music culture.
Artist Development
We support, mentor, and empower artists, producers, songwriters, DJs, and all creative talent that makes up the global urban music industry through the UMA Academy.
Live Events & Festivals
Annual ceremonies, showcases, industry panels, workshops, and UMA Academy seminars held across the UK, USA, Caribbean, Asia, South America, and Africa.
Global Reach
Operating across 6 continents with editions in the UK, USA, Caribbean, Asia, South America, and South Africa — uniting urban music fans and artists worldwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
Jordan Kensington founds the UMA Academy in the United Kingdom — born from a belief that musicians, artists, and creatives deserve the tools to become entrepreneurs and build sustainable careers in music.
The inaugural Urban Music Awards ceremony takes place at Hammersmith Palais, London — a landmark moment for urban music culture in the United Kingdom and beyond.
On 7 July 2007, the Urban Music Awards expands into North America. Hosted by Foxy Brown and Spragga Benz. Boyz II Men receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this landmark event.
The awards expand into the Caribbean, celebrating the extraordinary musical traditions of reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso and the rich cultural tapestry of the Caribbean.
The UMA launches in Asia, honouring the diverse and rapidly growing urban music scenes across the continent — from K-Pop to Bollywood to Southeast Asian urban sounds.
The Urban Music Awards South America is born, celebrating Latin urban music culture — from reggaeton to trap en Español — and connecting South American artists to the global UMA family.
The Urban Music Awards expands into Africa with the launch of UMA South Africa at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria — celebrating Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro Soul, Kwaito and pan-African urban music culture.
The most anticipated edition yet. The Urban Music Awards UK celebrates its milestone year — with global expansion continuing and urban music culture at the forefront of the world stage.
Through the Years
Moments from our ceremonies, shows, and events worldwide
Global Editions
The Urban Music Awards — a worldwide movement
Since 2003
United Kingdom
The original Urban Music Awards — launched at Hammersmith Palais, London. Now in its 23rd edition.
Since 2007
United States
Launched on 7.7.2007. Hosted by Foxy Brown & Spragga Benz. Boyz II Men received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since 2008
Caribbean
Caribbean Urban Music Awards — celebrating reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso and all Caribbean urban music traditions.
Since 2010
Asia
Asia Urban Music Awards — honouring the diverse and rapidly growing urban music scenes across the continent.
Since 2014
South America
UMA South America — celebrating Latin urban music from reggaeton to trap en Español and everything in between.
Since 2025
South Africa
Launched at Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria — celebrating Amapiano, Afrobeats, Kwaito, Afro Soul and pan-African urban music.
As Seen In