The BBC recently announced the names of the 15 acts who successfully made onto its 'Sound of 2011' longlist. This year the urban acts seem to have emerged as a powerful with nearly half of the list having firm roots in the underground scene.

The list compiled by more than 160 influential UK tastemakers which included the likes of Chantelle Fiddy, Joseph 'JP' Patterson, DJ Semtex and Rob Da Bank, shortlisted Daley, Wrectch 32, Jessie J, James Blake, Jai Paul and Nero as part of the fifteen rising stars. Ellie Goulding came top of last year's list and past winners have included Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae and 50 Cent, so it will be interesting to see who walks away with the title.

Other acts who made the cut were:

Anna Calvi
Clare Maguire
Esben & The Witch
Mona
The Naked & Famous
The Vaccines
Warpaint
Yuck

The 'Sound of 2011' winner will be unveiled on 7 January.

WORDS: Nonny 'MisssN' Orakwue