Event Review

07 August, 2009 by Anna Szlejter

London Stand Up 2009 - Urban Honours and Awards
Photography by Adeyinka Adepitan, Carli-Art Photography and Beeline Images

London Stand Up 2009 urban music honours and awards was this summer's essential urban event. The night was and artistic combination of the best emerging talent in the UK's urban music scene alongside a nostalgic honours award show paying homage to the UK's top Urban music legends of the past ten years.

The night was ready to begin; with one sole purpose, to pay tribute to exceptionally talented young musicians and artists by celebrating their overall achievements, performances and contributions to the UK music and entertainment industry.

It's nearly 5pm at Stratford Circus and in the front window there is already a notice "ticket sold out". With two hours to go till show time I can feel a hectic atmosphere surrounding the whole building. Models and make-up artists nervously preparing, people waiting for the artist to arrive and even some of the models practicing and perfecting their catwalk outside. As the clocked ticked Stratford Circus was slowly becoming a place fulfilled with an enormously talented young generation of musicians, artists and models getting ready to present a show to remember.

Behind the scenes the photographers were preparing their equipment, trial flashes sparkled all over the place, hosts running everywhere looking for additional cameras and equipment and at this point there were only few minutes until the opening of the show. Finally the whole venue was packed, as I looked around was hard to spot an empty seat, everybody is waiting impatiently for the first performer to grace the stage.

The first half of the night featured a phenomenal talent show, which profiled emerging artists that aspire to scale the heights in the UK's ever growing urban scene, and reach the level of those honoured acts that have paved the way for them. The selected candidates had already been confronted with a rigorous criteria during the auditions for the show. This seemed to really pay off and it was left for the audience to decide who would be crowned this generations best emerging Vocal act, best emerging Dance act and best emerging Grime and Hip Hop acts, the crowd went wild the atmosphere was intensely hype with whistles, screams and horns. I was totally amazed by the level of talent on stage that night. Liez Dance Crew, The Bradyz vocal group and JP are definitely acts to keep and eye out for.

The second half of the night was dedicated to honouring the UK's Urban Music Legends. The I Feel Experience opened the second half of the show with a fitting summer themed fashion show.

The line up as announced and the nominated acts were Giggs, Ghetts and Shola Ama. There couldn't have been a better selection. All selected artist were chosen and nominated by the Eastside Stories team. The artists were selected by this fresh new generation, these were the acts that they felt had really helped shape, influence and had an enormous impact on the UK's urban music scene. The best Rap act, the best Grime act the Best UK RnB act took to the stage and brought the house down.

The awards opened with videographies documenting the journey of these phenomenal acts. The show was insightful, educational as well as pure entertainment all night long.

First up was Shola, wearing black simple dress and designer shoes, she looked classy and funky in the same time. As Shola accepted her award she gave many words of encouragement to the young people and it was apparent that she felt strongly about the youth and the progress of urban music. Her words were really supportive and showed that she was really committed to all artist encouraging them to believe in their own ability to create.

Her performance was flawless and everybody could see that she really knows what show business is all about, commanding the audiences attention her voice echoed through the theater with those well know ballads everyone could sing along to. In the same instance I really felt that I could relate to her, she was one of us, one who still remembers how hard it is to make first step in the music and media industry.

Next was Ghetts with special guest Griminal. Famous for his exceptional freestyle ability and huge creativity in his singles he really demonstrated why he as considered the best UK Grime Act.

Then it was show time for Giggs on full form he had the whole audience is screaming, dancing and going wild. There was an electric atmosphere that spread immediately like wild fire throughout the whole theatre and there was no doubt that the best Hip Hop Award belonged to him. It was as if the whole of Straford Circus belonged to him, but that was just the beginning. The Shola and Giggs collaboration caused absolute pandaemonium and I can assure you the evening ended with a bang.

London Stand Up 2009 turned out to be an unique combination of modern music combined with dance and fresh youthful fashion with a twist. It was an absolutely privilege to be there that night. What amazed me the most is the positive energy and optimism spreading around through out the show. This was an evening where every single artist believed in their future success, having faith that they can sell the records worldwide and absolute certainty that their music will go global.

To me this is more than wishful thinking, the most extraordinary thing about this moment and this show is the hope and determination, that world could be a better place. In times when the news is packed with the economic crisis, poverty, and violence there are still some youngsters who believe that their lives can be an amazing journey and are striving to make it a reality. An inspirational evening to say the least.