By Gabriel Princewill-
London’s Bloomsbury Big Top will once again be the epicenter of musical celebration as the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF) prepare to host the prestigious Artist & Manager Awards in association with BeatBread on Thursday, November 23.
This gala event aims to applaud outstanding achievements across the artist and manager community, honoring those who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Tinie Tempah (pictured) picks up the entrepreneur of the year award- a befitting accolade that summarizes the heights of his business endeavours this year.
The 34 year old who has hosted Channel 4’s Extraordinary Extensions, which accompanies households undergoing dramatic renovations.
In July, the television star was lined up to present a classic car series for Channel 4 called Bangers.
According to a report, the hope is that the new Channel 4 motoring show fill the gap left after the latest series of Top Gear was axed by BBC.
The exceptionally talented Jorja Smith shining bright as she is awarded the coveted Artist Of The Year.
Joria Smith gets coveted artist of the year
This recognition comes on the heels of her Top 3 album, “Falling Or Flying,” and the resounding success of the summer anthem “Little Things.” Smith’s sophomore album, recorded predominantly with the West Midlands-based production duo DameDame, stands as a testament to her artistic prowess and independent spirit.
Having collaborated with musical giants like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Burna Boy, and Stormzy, Jorja Smith’s impact on the industry is evolving and undeniable.
Her accolade joins the ranks of past Artist Of The Year recipients, including luminaries such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Lewis Capaldi.
Tinie Tempah and his company Imhotep will be proud of his selection for the entrepreneur of the year award.
Known for venturing into creative fields beyond his own music, Tinie Tempah co-founded Disturbing London with former music manager Dumi Oburota.
Imhotep, launched in 2015 as a music publishing business, has since evolved into a full-service creative agency with a state-of-the-art recording studio, management business, TV production, and forays into fashion and food.
Entrepreneur of the year: Tinie Tempah is winner of prestigious award this year.
Tinie’s entrepreneurial knack which transcends music and managerial endeavours also extends to television deals and miscelleneous engagements of his.
Imhotep’s roster of artists, songwriters, and producers, including Hargo, Dantae The Kid, Rxwntree, and Okan, has made significant contributions to the music landscape. Their clients have written and produced tracks for global stars like Drake, Dave, Alicia Keys, and many more.
Adding a unique flavour to the awards ceremony is the inaugural Artists’ Voice Award, which will be presented to the band formerly known as Easy Life.
Recognizing their efforts in using social platforms to highlight the challenges faced by artists, this accolade reveals their commitment to addressing issues such as Brexit bureaucracy, touring costs, and unfair venue levies on artist merch sales.
The ceremony will also spotlight the Culture Media & Sport Committee as the Industry Champion for 2023.
MPs on this committee have played a pivotal role in scrutinizing streaming economics and championing the concerns of artists on the government agenda.
Expressing their pride in the event’s lineup, Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive of the Music Managers Forum, and David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition, highlighted the exceptional talents within the music communities.
They expressed joy in announcing Jorja Smith as Artist Of The Year, Tinie Tempah and Imhotep as Entrepreneur Of The Year, and the band formerly known as Easy Life as the recipient of the inaugural Artists’ Voice award.
In addition to these distinguished accolades, the Artist & Manager Awards will honor lifetime achievement with the Artist-Manager Partnership award, which will be presented to Duran Duran and their longtime manager, Wendy Laister.
Other winners include Bello (Manager of the Year), The Cookie Crew (Pioneer), The Flight Club’s Samuel Ademosu & Ruth Gyaniao (Producer/Songwriter Manager), and Forever Living Originals (Team Achievement).
The ceremony promises further excitement with awards for Breakthrough Artist and Breakthrough Manager, and the return of Doc Brown as the host.