Kozzie Kele Le Roc Trevor Kix & DJ Limelight
Now in its second year, The Official Mixtape Awards (OMAs) have finally returned. Enlisting the likes of Wiley, Bashy and Sway as live performers last year, 2010’s ceremony brought the UK’s underground to the forefront and highlighted notable achievements for artists grinding on the mixtape circuit. Preceding this year’s, however, is the official Nominations Party. With much of the Kix Mag team in
eko 2 1 F eb 2 0 1 1 K i x Ma g
attendance, we went to investigate exactly what to expect from 2011’s big event. Brushing shoulders everyone from the scene – Donatella to 1Xtra’s Vis, Roll Deep’s Manga and J2K to Fugitive and his entourage; it was for those in-the-know, just as it was for the actual nominees. In spite of the microphone issues, hosts Ras Kwame and Kele Le Roc finally managed to announce who was up for what. Assisting as they went, suitable live performances accompanied as Mystro, No Lay and Kozzie (the latter joined by Rival, Marger and Ego for the “Spartan” remix) went in and killed it, and especially so when considering the hostile atmosphere of the attendees.
Although not everyone was happy, with Krept & Konan revealing to us that they think they deserved to be up for “Mixtape of the Year” and Rival wondering why his “Return of the Rivz” was missing from the “Best Grime Mixtape” category, the nominations helped to raise the profiles of musicians, DJs, media outlets and producers who’s contribution to the mixtape scene have built
strong foundations for the urban music world. Big Narstie commented on how the event was helping to “take [his] music more seriously” and that it’s just a step away from having a “Grime Awards”. His comments reflected those of host, Kele Le Roc, as she spoke on how it “acknowledges those at the grassroots of music”.
The night itself was a low-key affair. Drawing just those who needed to know, the attendees will have noticed that K Koke’s, Wiley’s and Sway’s names were called the most (with 3 nods each). Theirs and many more of the UK’s urban elite will be put to public vote and revealed at the upcoming Official Mixtape Awards show at Bush Hall. With Griminal, Wretch 32 and Marvell’s profiles raised enormously since performing at 2010’s OMA’s, be prepared to see the stars of tomorrow present at this one.
The Official Mixtape Awards show itself shall be held on March 5th 2011. Get your votes in.
Words by Chiino Stoppard Image by Korey Hastings
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