Urban Music Scheme 2006 Winners

Twenty-one candidates were shortlisted before attending a three day workshop in Birmingham. The following musicians have all been awarded Urban Music Bursaries to help them develop their musical careers.

£5,000 award winners

Alex Mighten, aka Karizma

Location: Nottingham
Occupation: Alex is a rising rapper on the Nottingham scene.

Andy Brooks aka Homecut/Testament

Location: Leeds
Occupation: Andy is an artist working in Leeds. He has been very busy since last October, working on his 'Homecut' album, which will be released later in 2008. He has also composed music for a TV documentary, and collaborated with Tru-Thoughts producer Diesler on a single. Andy has also worked with Bursary winner Kid Kanevil.

Ben Geffen

Location: London
Occupation: Ben is a DJ and producer from London.

Chris Polglase

Location: Devon
Occupation: Chris is a drummer based in Devon.

Craig McLeod

Location: Glasgow
Occupation: Craig runs a record label, is a producer and a DJ. Since wining the bursary he’s released three 10" singles which became number 1, 2 & 3 best sellers in America, Germany & Poland in their first three weeks of release. He held a Radio 1 session with Ras Kwame, and has another with Mary Anne Hobbs and 1Xtra pencilled in. The future will see the release of three new singles, a new album during 2008, a tour of Germany, and also club bookings in Scotland, England and France.

David Black, aka DJ Koncept

Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Occupation: David is a turntablist based in Northern Ireland. He has been working hard on learning production and played in Portrush, Belfast and Dublin in June. He also plays regularly at independent nights in his local area.

Dwaine Hayden

Location: Derby
Occupation: Dwaine is a singer/songwriter based in Derby. He was one of five artists that performed as part of the Art Council England’s month long celebration of 60 years of R&B. Hosted by BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ Ras Kwame, the gig took place at London’s Playroom in June and showcased four specially chosen artists, who played homage to the Motown era of R&B

Eddie al-Shakarachi, aka PLO

Location: Cardiff
Occupation: Eddie is a sound engineer and artist.

Ellouise Bridge

Location: Manchester
Occupation: Ellouise is a singer, teacher and youth worker.

Faith SFX

Location: North London
Occupation: Faith SFX is a human beat box. 2007 saw Faith travel to Bulgaria for the Beatbox Championships; the Roskilde Festival in Denmark; supporting Charlie Murphy for six dates in Sweden; the Kemp HipHop Festival in the Czech Republic and the Korea Seoul R16 Event and World Breakdance event.

Faith SFX used most of his bursary money on his latest music video which was shot on super 16mm film.

Laurissa Hamilton

Location: Derby
Occupation: Laurissa is a vocalist on the Derby scene.

Rachel Braithwaite

Location: Oldham
Occupation: Rachel manages up-and-coming artists.

Tim Walker

Location: Sheffield
Occupation: Tim is a DJ and singer.
Tim's first release on the new Dubstep label, R8 Records, will be out soon. Regarding performing he's been doing a lot with a band called I-Witness, playing in the North mainly. He's also been as far as Birmingham and London and played loads of festivals in the North during the summer.

Tim is gigging a lot with Junglist Alliance, and getting busier steadily. He's also been working as a vocalist on his own at other events, and have residency at Tuesday club, a big weekly hip hop and drum and bass night.