UMAC

The Urban music community is an extremely relevant and important part of Canada’s musical identity. From Oscar Peterson to Kardinal Official, Salome Bey to Deborah Cox, urban music has been an active and successful participant in this country’s musical mosaic. Canadian pioneers in this genre deserve to be recognized by the rest of the country.

It is because of this unique musical history that we propose, for the first time, the UMAC Honours gala be taped live for future television and web broadcasts.

Unlike conventional live or live-to-tape broadcasts, UMAC Honours 2010, the television show, will forgo lots of pomp and ceremony and instead concentrate on celebrating the music and the musicians. Through pre-taped testimonials, live performances and a slick, seamless production style, we propose to produce a cost effective, one-hour package to fit a performing arts or variety format.

The show will feature the presentation of 6 achievement awards to performers from the urban music community who have been pioneers not only through their music but also by breaking down barriers for future performers in the urban music field. The highlight of the show however will be music! Performances by this country’s top urban artist from the last 50 years in many of the music’s sub genres: jazz, blues, rap/hip-hop, dance, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms alike.

Canadian urban music has added a distinct flavour to Canadian culture. It’s time to TRULY celebrate that contribution.