NZ Music Awards ditch “Urban” category following racism accusations

This year’s Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards has ditched the “Urban” category, and replaced it with two new ones: soul/R&B and hip hop.

Last year, singer-songwriter Aaradhna refused to accept her win for 2016 Best Urban/Hip Hop Album, saying she was just being lumped into a category for “brown artists”.

She gave the trophy to a fellow nominee, rap posse SWIDT.

Aaradhna said the album Brown Girl was about her experiences growing up in NZ facing racism and being “placed in a box”.

She told the audience, "If I were to accept this as an artist, it wouldn’t be fair because I am a singer, not a rapper.

"I feel like I’ve been placed in a category of brown artists."

The awards will ditch the gender distinction for Best Solo Artist - there will no longer be separate awards for men and women in that category. 

Nominations criteria have changed too. They now apply to an act that has released an album or at least five singles within the eligibility period.

As a result, the genre categories for best albums – pop, rock, hip hop, soul/R&B, electronic, roots, alternative, worship, classical and Maori – will now change to best artist in each genre.

Recorded Music NZ chief executive Damian Vaughan said the two major changes were made after consultation with artists, labels and managers, and aimed to reflect New Zealand’s "ever-changing and dynamic industry".

He explained, "We represent the recorded music industry, from artists and record companies through to everyday listeners.

“It’s important to be responsive to feedback from all corners of New Zealand, listen to those who make and release music, to constantly evolve the Music Awards, and to embrace the way people are consuming music today."

The awards, which are in their 52^nd year, will be held in Auckland in November.

Photo: Aaradhna