The BBC Performing Arts Fund is delighted to announce the winners of the 2008 Urban Music Bursary awards. This year instead of having open applications, a network of nominators acted as talent scouts across the UK. Each nominator put forward people who had made a name for themselves on the local scene and 17 winners were awarded a total of £150,000 to help them progress and take the next step in their music careers.

The nominees were invited for an interview where they faced a panel of four judges to assess their suitability for the award.  Following which they attended a 3 day residency where they got to perform their material and take part in workshops and master-classes which covered business (networking, sponsorship, management, legal), and industry information (publishing, mastering, A&R).  They also got to listen to and question speakers involved in the music industry including Ras Kwame from BBC Radio 1Xtra, Chris Greenwood from The Big Chill, and Dizzee Rascal.

After the workshop the nominees had to use all they had learned to help them write a 12 month action plan to show how they would use the money if they won.

The Judges assessed their performances, interviews and action plans and made their decision on who would receive the awards. 

Laura Lukanz, Music Manager of 1Xtra:
‘This year’s Urban Music Bursary has recognised and awarded a group of extremely -----focused and multi-talented young people who will undoubtedly go on to be a creative force in whichever career path they choose to take’

Andrew Missingham, Music Consultant:
‘The standard of winners this year shows that the UK Urban Music scene, after a couple of hard years, is back to rude good health. This year's winners reflect the depth of quality we have here in the UK. I'm looking forward to following the success that our winners achieve in the coming year and into the future’

Mary Wakelam, Birmingham Jazz Promoter and winner of £10,000:
‘I am thrilled to now have the resources available through the BBC Urban Music Bursary to develop my skills as a bandleader and music producer and promise great things are so much closer now!’

Andreya Triana, Singer/Songwriter from Brighton and winner of £10,000:
‘I'm overjoyed! I am in the final stages of finishing my debut album and support with mentoring and financial backing could not have come at a better time. It's also very encouraging having people behind you that believe in you and want to help you take your career to the next level. I'm very grateful for the opportunity and feel really hopefully and excited for the 12 months ahead.’

For further information, please contact Miriam.okeeffe@bbc.co.uk or see www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund