THESE are interesting times for the British Asian music scene. On the one hand, there is a crisis with the proposed shut down of the BBC Asian Network, which many see as detrimental to the future of the scene.
But this week will give a chance for artists and fans to celebrate all that is good about the Asian music industry with the UK Asian Music Awards (AMAs) on Thursday (11).

The Awards, which take place at the Royal Festival Hall at London’s South Bank, will feature an impressive line up of artists and presenters to make it one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

It will be a chance for fans and artists to prove that the music scene is thriving with talented artists, and in turn voice their opposition at the BBC’s decision to close the Asian Network. Ironically, the AMAs are being supported by the Asian Network, which some would say shows their commitment to the scene. But whatever the fate of the Asian Network, it doesn’t take away the fact the Asian music scene is in rude health.

Jay Sean is taking America by storm since signing up with Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Records while brand new singing sensation Jaya is trying to enter the fiercely competitive world of the solo female artist.
Navin Kundra is using his soothing vocals to win over fans and is destined to make it big in Bollywood while the likes of H-Dhami and Des-C are keeping alive the traditions of Bhangra by adding a modern twist.
There are even the likes of Menis and Shizzio who are jumping into the world of MC and rap with both feet, with mixed results.

In fact, there are so many artists on the scene who have been influenced by different genres of music without pigeon-holing themselves. No longer can Asians in music be defined by one genre. And the AMAs will be a chance to celebrate this diverse talent.

The night will also feature some special performances from the likes of the Sugababes, who will add a desi twist to their performance with dhol players joining them on stage. Talvin Singh will also return to the live circuit after seven years while Jay Sean will be coming back to where it all began.

Boxer Amir Khan is taking time out before his big fight to attend the show, Bollywood actress Sophie Choudhry is flying in from Mumbai to co-host the event with Bobby Friction, whilst the star cast of Gurinder Chadha’s new movie will be in attendance to hand out an award.
Let’s hope the AMAs prove to be the perfect tonic and give the artists and fans the motivation to fight the good fight, and keep pushing forward.