Channel U Press Launch @ Embassy, London

By Nooreen Kara

Channel U has fast built up a solid positive reputation for showcasing some of the UK’s most talented and upcoming MCs and singers on its Sky channel #467. This month, they will be launching the inaugural ‘Best of British’ urban music event at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London. 

The night will be hosted by Blue’s Simon Webbe and Big Brother’s infamous Makosi. The Situation caught up with the latter of these presenters at the press launch held in the swanky Embassy club in London: “I’m honoured to be involved with black urban music. It’s something that is coming up, so I am very, very honoured.” Talking about which artists she is currently feeling on the UK scene, Makosi says, “I think Kano’s very good. Lemar is also very good and I like Craig David.” 

But, of course, it’s only up to you who gets an award. Thirty short listed nominees that have been the most played videos of the past year – ranging from the likes of Mercury Music prize winner Dizzee Rascal to rising newcomers like Kevin Mark Trail – and Channel U viewers are currently voting for their top 15. These select few will perform at the event and receive a ‘Best of British Award’ in recognition.  

Needless to say, there’s no chance of having an all-British event without Estelle. “I think it’s brilliant. I’m honoured to be a part of it,” she says about the awards. “I think Channel U is super-relevant because they’re basically creating a scene from an individual point where people can actually see and measure their success, and get better and better at their graft. So to me, I think it’s amazing, it’s really good.” She also adds that it’s not too long now before we hear something new from the star: “My new album’s out middle of next year, I’m working on it now. It’s gonna be good, I’m working hard!”  

Another of the nominees comes in the form of UK R&B singer Terri Walker. Hailing from North London, Terri already has two hot albums to her name, the latest being ‘Love’, released earlier in the year. Talking about the scene that she’s fast risen through, she says, “I think it’s growing and I think it’s wicked. I think we need to support it more everyday.” 

But R&B isn’t just being represented by the ladies. Newcomers Fun*dmental hit screens with their debut ‘Jump’ earlier in the year, and are currently working on an album set to be released next year. Jermaine, one third of Fun*dmental, comments, “There’s a lot of new talent coming out on the scene. We think it’s great, it’s improved over the last five years or so.” Baby V, talking about Channel U’s involvement, adds, “I think it’s really good because it helps people, gives them a platform to put their music out and it helps artists to just give what they can give and bring UK R&B and hip-hop to another level.” 

We also caught up with Akala, the 21-year old brother of Ms. Dynamite who’s made a name for himself with videos including ‘Banga 4 Da Streets’ – which claimed the Channel U No.1 spot – and ‘War’. “I think UK rap’s still got a long way to go, but it’s definitely in the best state it’s been in my lifetime. We’re coming, we’re on our way,” he says. “I think Channel U’s a huge part of it; it’s given people who obviously don’t have a chance, the chance to become visible, the chance to get feedback from the public. A lot of us are the ghetto celebrities, just off the back of Channel U and nothing else, so it’s a good thing.” 

One lady who’s not new to the scene is Lisa Maffia. Forming part of the So Solid Crew, Lisa quickly gained accreditation from garage fans. Now, she’s got her own label – Maffia Records – and has the North London group North Star signed to it, a trio who fuse R&B with hip hop to create a unique sound. “The UK hip hop style and rap style has had a lot more respect since So Solid came out. We did more MC and Garage style music, so we made it our own. It’s starting to be noticed more differently,” Lisa told us. “It’s gone more UK rap, it’s getting its respect so that’s a good thing.” 

Channel U’s ‘Best of British’ takes place on October 15 at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London. Tickets are currently on sale from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk. DJs on the night are Masterstepz, Hotsteppa and Ace & Invisible. 

For a full list of nominees and information on how to vote, go to http://www.bestofbritish.com. 

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