The annual UK Asian Music Awards (UKAMAs) will be held next week at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

The award ceremony aims to recognise and reward music talent from across the British Asian music industry.

It will take place on 5th March and is hosted by singer and actress Karen David alongside B4U’s Mumbai based presenter Salil.

B4U Music is the main media partner to the event and will broadcast excerpts from the event.

Organiser Abs Shaid said: “2008 is going to be remembered as an enormous year for Asian music. Many artists have enjoyed great success with huge sales both here and abroad. British Asian sounds have featured in Bollywood movies and we’ve even had signings with the USA’s top labels. These are the kind of accomplishments that we want to celebrate; from industry veterans to fresh new unsigned talent.”

Award-winning singer and songwriter Shahin Badar, of Prodigy’s Smack My Bitch Up fame, has been nominated for best alternative act. After spending two years recovering from serious illness, she is releasing her debut solo album ‘Laila’ this month.

“My new album ‘Laila’ features an eclectic mix of Electronica, Arabic and Indian sounds – so there’s something that appeals to everyone. I’m the only female in the alternative music category so hopefully girl-power will prevail on the night,” she told AIM magazine.

Confirmed artists who are performing at the event include Channi Singh, Mona Singh, Amar ft Jim Beanz, Jagged Edge, H Dhami, Rishi Rich, Veronica, Mumzy, Tasha Tah, Nisha Kataria, Juggy D, Shayal, Romeo, Sef, Swiss, Des-C, D-Boy, DJ 279, Mets n’ Trix, DJ Kayper and many more.

Categories for awards are:

o Best Album
o Best Act
o Best Male Artist
o Best Female Artist
o Best Alternative Act
o Best Video
o Best International Act
o Best International Album
o Best Newcomer
o Best Producer
o Best Club DJ
o Best Urban Act
o Best Radio Show
o Outstanding Achievement
o Commitment to the Scene