Rated Awards 2021 - Performances announced 15 Sep 2021
MICHAEL DAPAAH ANNOUNCED AS NEW CO-HOST ALONGSIDE JOURDAN DUNN AFTER IDRIS ELBA FORCED TO PULL OUT DUE TO UNFORTUNATE ISOLATION CIRCUMSTANCES
GRM Daily’s Iconic Rated Awards Return for Virtual Ceremony
Thursday 16th September 2021 @ 7pm BST
A celebration of the best of British music featuring exclusive performances from the scenes biggest stars including Tion Wayne, Pa Salieu, Backroad Gee, ENNY, Amia Brave, Heartless Crew and Potter Payper
Britain’s premier award ceremony for UK Rap & Grime, the Rated Awards announce full details of the virtual ceremony streaming on Thursday 16th September at 7pm BST.
Returning in 2021 for its 6th year, this year’s GRM Daily Rated Awards will celebrate the best talent in the UK music scene and is guaranteed to provide another selection of iconic performances that simply wouldn’t be seen at other award ceremonies.
Actor, rapper and comedian Michael Dapaah has stepped in to co-host this years’ awards alongside actress and model Jourdan Dunn, following unfortunate isolation circumstances that have forced Idris Elba to pull out of hosting duties this year.
The 2021 Rated Awards will be broadcast exclusively on the GRM Daily YouTube channel, where the winner of each category will be revealed. It will be the first time hosting the Rated Awards for both Michael & Jourdan, taking over from Mo Gilligan and Julie Adenuga who presented the past two editions.
Rated Awards host, Jourdan Dunn says: “I am so honoured to be asked to co-host the GRM Rated Awards, it will be so much fun doing so with Michael Dapaah. I am excited to be part of a show that recognises and celebrates UK talent.”
This years Rated Awards will feature performances from nominees Tion Wayne, Pa Salieu, Backroad Gee, Amia Brave and ENNY for a must see evening of music and entertainment. Showcasing a broad range of the hottest upcoming and established artists, the carefully curated line up will also include unmissable performances from Heartless Crew & Potter Payper.
Set to take place as a virtual ceremony, this year’s Rated Awards will be an immersive experience, but is still set to be one of the biggest celebrations to date, capturing the vibrancy and diversity of the scene like no other award show could.
With awards spanning over ten categories, from Breakthrough and Video of the Year to Album and Personality of the Year, the nominations for the 2021 Rated Awards reflect the huge talent in the UK and will honour some of the scene’s biggest names and their achievements between 1st June 2020 to 1st June 2021.
AJ Tracey, Headie One & Pa Salieu lead this years’ nominations with four nominations each. AJ Tracey & Headie One are up for Male Artist, Track of the Year, Video of the Year and the prestigious Album of the Year categories while Pa Salieu is nominated in Breakthrough of the Year, Track of the Year, Video of the Year and Mixtape of the Year categories, following what has been an incredible year for each artist. They face strong competition from slowthai, Central Cee, Ghetts and Abra Cadabra alongside an array of female nominees across categories including Little Simz, Shaybo, Lady Leshurr, ENNY, Jorja Smith and Stefflon Don. Full list of nominations below.
The Rated Awards were founded by GRM Daily, an award-winning platform at the epicentre of UK Rap & Grime music culture since 2009. An outlet where the very best of British music is whole heartedly celebrated, GRM is renowned as an influential launch pad for the country's emerging and established talent. With over 4 billion YouTube views, 4 million subscribers and a social reach of over 3 million, GRM is the most viewed music channel and website in the UK.
The Rated Awards 2021 with YouTube Music will be streamed on Thursday 16th September @7pm BST, broadcast exclusively on GRM’s YouTube Channel
YouTube Music are the official sponsors of the Rated Awards 2021
Follow @GRMDAILY and @ratedawards on socials to keep up with all-things #RatedAwards
FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS
Album of the Year
AJ Tracey – Flu Game
Bugzy Malone – The Resurrection
D Block Europe – The Blueprint- Us Vs. Them
Fredo – Money Can’t Buy Happiness
Ghetts – Conflict of Interest
Headie One – EDNA
K Trap – Street Side Effects
Loski – Music, Trial and Trauma: A Drill Story
Nines – Crabs In A Bucket
slowthai - TYRON
Female Artist of the Year
Sponsored by +44 from Amazon Music
Bree Runway
Darkoo
ENNY
Ivorian Doll
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Ms Banks
Shaybo
Stefflon Don
Midas The Jagaban
Male Artist of the Year
Sponsored by A Jewellers
AJ Tracey
Abra Cadabra
Central Cee
Chip
Digga D
Fredo
Ghetts
Headie One
Potter Payper
Tion Wayne
Breakthrough of the Year
Supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra
ArrDee
BackRoad Gee
ENNY
Central Cee
French The Kid
Jordan
Shaybo
SR
Pa Salieu
wewantwraiths
Personality of the Year
Sponsored by KA Drinks
Big Zuu
Chunkz
Harry Pinero
Nella Rose
Michael Dapaah
Mo Gilligan
Munya Chawawa
Niko Omilana
Yung Filly
ZeZe Millz
Track of the Year
A1 & J1 – Latest Trends
Abra Cadabra – On Deck
Central Cee – Loading
Digga D – Woi
ENNY – Peng Black Girls (ft Amia Brave)
Headie One, Stormzy and AJ Tracey – Ain’t It Different
Nines – Airplane Mode (ft NSG)
Pa Salieu – My Family (ft BackRoad Gee)
Potter Payper – Purpose
Russ & Tion Wayne – Body
Video of the Year
Aitch – Safe To Say (Directed by KC Locke)
AJ Tracey – Little More Love (Directed by KC Locke)
Ghetts – Skengman Mode (ft. Stormzy) (Directed by Nathan James Tettey)
Headie One – Princess Cuts (ft. Young T & Bugsey) (Directed by Capone)
Little Simz - Introvert (Directed by Salomon Ligthelm)
Meekz – Respect The Come Up (Directed by KC Locke)
Nines – Clout (Directed by Charlie Di Placido)
Pa Salieu – My Family (ft. BackRoad Gee) (Directed by Femi Ladi)
Russ & Tion Wayne – Body (Directed by Wowa)
slowthai, Skepta – Cancelled (Directed by THE REST)
Mixtape of the Year
In Association with Porte Noire
Abra Cadabra – Product of My Environment
Central Cee – Wild West
Chip – Snakes and Ladders
Digga D – Made In The Pyrex
Giggs – Now Or Never
M Huncho & Nafe Smallz – DNA
NSG – Roots
Pa Salieu - Send Them To Coventry
Potter Payper – Training Day 3
Unknown T – Rise Above Hate
Radio DJ of the Year
Charlie Sloth
DJ Target
Dotty
Henrie Kwushue
Kenny Allstar
Robert Bruce
Reece Parkinson
Snoochie Shy
Tiffany Calver
Yinka & Shayna Marie
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by Simply Meds
169
5ive Beatz
Chris Rich
Ghosty
Gotcha
Hargo
M1OnTheBeat
P2J
R14
TSB
NEWS & PRESS
Inaugural Folk Album Of The Year Award Shortlist Revealed
146 album submissions received Nine albums selected by jury of performers, music and media professionals Winner revealed and nominees to perform at live finale hosted in Rochdale, Greater Manchester on 17 March 2026 The Folk Album of the Year Award has revealed its...more
International music conference FFWD (FastForward) returns to London in February 2026 for FFWD>>LDN 26
International music conference FFWD (FastForward) returns to London in February 2026 for FFWD>>LDN 26 - celebrating its community in a special 10th anniversary edition, at a brand new location. Taking over Hackney Church for the first time on Tuesday 10 February...more
MMF reveals first cohort of certified music managers
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) has announced the first cohort of managers to pass the organisation’s new Manager Certification Programme - including MMF Chair, Niamh Byrne, co-founder of Eleven Management, MMF Vice-Chair, Jill Hollywood, founder of Echo Beach Management, and...more
Major labels’ licensing deals with AI companies: ECSA calls for transparent licensing agreements that truly value the works of composers and songwriters
In light of the recent licensing deals announced by the three major labels – Universal Music Group (UMG), Warner Music Group (WMG) and Sony Music Group (SMG) – with AI companies Udio, Suno, and KLAY, the European Composer and Songwriter...more
New Leger Survey Shows Quebecers Value Choice and Affordability Over New Streaming Rules
61% of Québecers say French-language music is already easy to find on streaming services, while only 4% say regulating streaming should be a government priority. A new province-wide survey conducted by Leger – Québec’s leading independent research firm – shows that...more
Impala revamps Outstanding Contribution award, honours women who have accelerated Impala's work on EDI and sustainability
This November, IMPALA announces the expansion of its Outstanding Contribution Award as part of a revamped awards programme co-funded by the European Union. The first announcement under the new scheme recognises women who have made a significant contribution to IMPALA's work in the...more
Atlantic Screen Group Names Rupert Hollier as COO, Elevates Rosie Hill to President of Nightjar, it’s creative services and frontline publishing division
Company also unveils exclusive creative publishing partnership with 5DB Studios Leading independent multi-disciplined music and media organisation Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) today announces a significant expansion of its music publishing and sync operations, supported by a series of strategic appointments and new...more
Notting Hill Music Signs Scottish Songwriter Declan Welsh
Notting Hill Music is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed Scottish songwriter Declan Welsh (Declan Welsh and The Decadent West). Emerging from East Kilbride, Scotland, Welsh has established himself as one of the nation’s most compelling contemporary voices, earning...more
Universal Music Group UK launches art and video studio ‘Pause’
PAUSE PRODUCES PREMIUM, LIMITED-EDITION PRINTS THAT ALLOW FANS TO OWN UNIQUE MOMENTS OF VISUAL MUSIC HISTORY ANNOUNCEMENT OF PAUSE STUDIO ACCOMPANIED BY LAUNCH OF AMY WINEHOUSEYOU KNOW I’M NO GOOD COLLECTION Fans can own a single frame from Amy Winehouse’s iconic music video,...more
2025 Budget statement from AIF CEO John Rostron
"The UK's independent festival sector is one built by entrepreneurs and so we welcome The Chancellor's announcement of a consultation on how the tax system can better back business founders and investors. We look forward to seeing how this government...more
Autumn Budget: Comment from Association of Independent Music
Gee Davy, CEO at AIM, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s clear commitment to improving conditions for workers, especially young people. But SMEs – the talent engines of the UK - including those in the hugely diverse independent music sector, risk...more
Budget Hammerblow: Chancellor Dismisses Night-Time Economy Asks Says NTIA
Statement from Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association"This Budget is a hammer blow to an already fragile night-time economy. Its impact will be felt across every high street and town centre in the UK. With inflation now higher than...more
Oasis Live ‘25 end of tour stores to open in London & Dublin
London store will feature a visual content room showcasing highlights from the Oasis Live ‘25 global tour Product personalisation offered in-store on select days New and exclusive merchandise, a restocked adidas Originals range, gifting, vinyl and much more ...more
UK Budget - A Statement from Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust
"This Budget is yet another episode in the long running saga of failures to seize opportunities to support Grassroots Music Venues. The Government's rhetoric on their support for this vital sector is completely undone by the reality of their business...more
Record Store Day Black Friday: Exclusive releases land in independent shops
Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday celebration returns this Friday, bringing a brand-new selection of exclusive, limited-edition vinyl titles to independent record stores across the UK. Available from 8am on Friday 28th November, this year’s collection features standout releases from Sam...more
LALAL.AI Launches Andromeda, a New Benchmark in Stem Separation & Vocal Isolation
AI-powered stem splitter’s Andromeda model interprets audio tracks with near-human precision LALAL.AI has officially launched Andromeda, its most advanced audio separation model to date. The new neural network builds upon six generations of LALAL.AI's audio source separation technology. The result is...more
Impala launches new storytelling campaign, Faces of the Independent Sector, to celebrate its 25th anniversary
To celebrate 25 years championing the independent sector in Europe, IMPALA launches a new project to put the spotlight on individuals working across the industry. The Faces of the Independent Sector campaign will offer monthly insights into the inner workings...more
Realize Music: Sing Launches on Meta Quest With Broad Catalog From Universal, Warner, Sony and Beggars, Delivered by Tuned Global’s Music Technology
Groundbreaking singing game for wellness and creativity expands beyond VR with a PC Gaming release planned for 2026, with the support of Tuned Global’s backend music platform enabling scalable catalogue delivery and lyric integration. Realize Music, in collaboration with leading music...more
UK nightlife isn’t dead, it’s thriving underground - One in three Gen Z say the best DJ sets happen at house parties
New research highlights the enduring role of house parties, with over a quarter of Gen Z and Millennials playing their first DJ set at one One in three Gen Z say they have been inspired to learn to DJ after experiencing a house...more
Alex Black named Vice President, A&R, Peermusic
Peermusic, the world’s largest global independent music publishing and neighbouring rights company with 39 offices in 32 countries, has appointed Alex Black to Vice President, A&R as announced today by Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, Peermusic. In this role, Alex Black will work...more
PPL appoints Anne-Marie Pearce as Chief Financial Officer
PPL has appointed Anne-Marie Pearce as its new Chief Financial Officer. She succeeds Chris Barton, who announced earlier this year he would be leaving the collective management organisation at the end of 2025. As CFO, Anne-Marie will join the Executive Leadership...more
Reservoir announces joint venture with Jamaican star Skatta Burrell & Abood Music
Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR, the “Company”), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a new joint venture with multi-hyphenate Jamaican star Cordell “Skatta” Burrell and reggae and dancehall publisher Abood Music. Together, they will look to both acquire catalogs...more
Help Musicians Partner with Tiffany Calver to Launch UK Rap Award Career Accelerator
Help Musicians launches new Career Accelerator for rap artists. Charity joins forces with Tiffany Calver to highlight the contributions of UK rap. Addressing barriers facing Black and underrepresented artists in the music industry. Help Musicians today announces the launch of the UK Rap Award, a...more
Warner Music Group and Suno forge groundbreaking partnership
Companies will collaborate on next-generation licensed AI music that empowers the creative community and opens new revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG), one of the world's largest music companies, and Suno, the leader in AI music,...more
UK’s leading Choir for Refugees and Allies releases debut album Echo of Your Voice
Echo of Your Voice - a 10-track album bursting with hope and joy - is available for pre-save from Wednesday 26th November, 2025 Celebrating the rich diversity and wonderful community of this never more relevant choir, the Citizens of the World...more
The Snuts launch new label Happy Artist Records for the band's next record and partner with Virgin Music Group for global distribution
HAPPY ARTIST RECORDS - LED BY THE SNUTS’ FRONTMAN, JACK COCHRANE - WILL SUPPORT AND CHAMPION EMERGING SCOTTISH AND REGIONAL UK TALENT The Snuts have announced the launch of Happy Artist Records, a new label created to release the band’s next record...more
Impala welcomes the EC’s findings so far that UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown has risks for Europe’s digital market – issues reminder that concerns go beyond data
In response to today’s press release from the European Commission, IMPALA has issued the following statement: “IMPALA welcomes the European Commission’s statement today confirming to UMG that the proposed acquisition of Downtown raises concerns about restricting competition in the wholesale distribution of recorded music market, in...more
European Commission sends Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of Downtown by UMG
The European Commission has informed Universal Music Group ('UMG') of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of Downtown may restrict competition in the market for the wholesale distribution of recorded music. UMG is globally active in music recording, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Downtown is a...more
Propaganda Independent Venues Acquires TEG's UK Venue Estate
The Bristol-based independent reacquires Tramshed in Cardiff together with XOYO London, XOYO Birmingham, Camden Assembly, and The Globe in Cardiff... Propaganda's Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, along with Richard Buck, have together launched Propaganda Independent Venues and announced the acquisition of TEG's UK venue...more
Warner Music India Inks Exclusive Global Distribution Deal with Ultra Music India
Warner Music India has announced a strategic partnership with Ultra Music, one of India's most prominent music labels, establishing an exclusive worldwide distribution alliance. As a part of the deal, Warner Music India will take over the distribution of Ultra Music's...more
THE HEADLINES
Australian report also highlights how other non-US English-speaking countries are hit by algorithms (see Reports)
AI slop: Spotify, Tunecore, and credibility (see Comment)
Warner Music signs deal with Suno, settles lawsuit (see News)
EC sends UMG its statement of objections to Downtown acquisition (see News)
20 years of Spotify — who’s winning, losing and making money? (see Features)
The future of labels: Shifting sands (see Comment)
Robert Kyncl on Udio deal: Growing the value of music for artists and songwriters (see News)
Ticket touts’ worst nightmare has finally come true (see Comment)
Universal's bid for Downtown is set to be hit by a formal warning from European Union watchdogs (see Business)
Reselling tickets for profit to be outlawed in UK government crackdown (see News)
Some answers to Haven's 'I Run' chart-excluded track (see News)
"Without competition, the free market becomes a monopoly" (see Opinion)