Birmingham Music Awards review by Wallis Brown

Last week I attended the Birmingham Music Awards at The Mill, the first live, in person ceremony they have been able to put on since the pandemic hit. It was an event I have had marked in my diary all year, a night filled with immense talent and a ceremony to honour those gifted musician, who have been making strides with their passion and skill in the music industry.

The promise of a good night, company and performances was most definitely met, with complimentary drink on arrival and in an intimate setting we had performances from rising talent. Tai, Abz Winter and T Roads, set the nights proceedings off with a bag.

Then came Eternal Taal, an incredible Bhangra team that guided into the main room for the awards and other acts to begin.

We settled into our seats, eagerly awaiting the hosts, Natalie Graham and Henry Liston from BBC Radio West Midlands. And what amazing hosts they were, the easy banter between one another, along with the hilarity of Henry who just wanted to win a bottle of Lady Leshurr’s Kamo Premium Vodka that came with every award. You’ll be glad to know he did thankfully get one in the end!

The night ran smoothly with this dynamic duo guiding us through the categories and the transition between the music and ceremony seemed just right and kept the audience captivated and entertained.

The performances from the night were just unforgettable for me. I have without doubt, walked away with new music I adore and it’s even better that they are all home grown artists, who love the city they create art in.

I have many favourites from that evening, the one that stood out the most for me was The Assist, who walked away with two awards and celebrated their win by giving us a show to remember. I am definitely a big fan of theirs now!

Also RozzzQueen, just wow! Fitting to the title of her new song, she quite literally had me lost for words with her voice, the lyrics and overall stage presence. I will need to see RozzzQueen sing again!

I must mention that Luke Concannon, sang us a very well know tune from my younger days. He had me over the moon when I heard the ‘JCB song’ fill the room.

We would be here all day if I went through every one of the phenomenal musicians. The main thing is that I couldn’t fault anyone, just outstanding and pure passion flowing from the stage and speakers, which is what this event was all about.

Winners didn’t just come in the form of musicians but the people and businesses who support them in their drive to excel in the industry they love.

The BMA’s certainly put on a ceremony and show that a week on still has me in awe of all the astonishing talent that our big city has to offer! Looking around the room you could see everyone agreed with smiles, laughter and singing.

Words by Wallis Brown for Grapevine Birmingham. *photos © by https://www.instagram.com/wallis.jr/