Raymond Weil joins forces with Boris Johnson for inaugural music event

Raymond Weil, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, joined forces with Boris Johnson to host a music event and fundraiser for the Mayor of London’s Music Fund. The inaugural London Music Awards were held at the iconic music venue The Roundhouse in Camden and celebrated the capital’s musical talent. The event was conceived to “recognise the achievements of London’s aspiring young musicians, its rising stars and legendary performers from all genres of music”. A host of stars and music industry insiders attended the sell-out event, and the money raised will ensure the future development of the capital’s aspiring musicians. In two years, the charity has given out grants totalling £1.3m, benefitting over 14,000 young musicians. Jazzie B, founder of chart topping Soul II Soul, received the ‘London Legend’ accolade, Sir Antonio Pappano music director of the Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, was recognised for his ‘Exceptional Contribution to Music’. Andrew Lloyd Webber was awarded in the individual philanthropy category. London’s eclectic music scene was reflected in the diversity of the award winners. 26-year-old Kimberley Anne from Bromley won Young Composer/Songwriter. Lewisham based Femme, 24, took the Raymond Weil Rising Star award. The ‘Undiscovered Talent’ award went to Natalie Shay, who, at just 15 years old and studying for her GCSEs has caused a stir with her live sets across London. Johnson said: “I am immensely proud of the work that the Mayor’s Music Fund is doing and has done this evening. To reach so many young people in such a small space of time is a colossal achievement. “The London Music Awards with Raymond Weil are more than celebrating the success of the award winners and it is more than a fundraiser, it is an opportunity to rejoice in London’s fabulous musical achievements and to inspire budding musicians across the city.” Further awards were presented to Daniel Aidoo, James Lynch, Charles Campbell-Park, and Bishal Debnath who won the Outstanding Mayor’s Music Scholars award and were also recognised in the corporate philanthropy category. The final award was for ‘Best Live Music Venue’, which was voted for by Time Out readers and won by Union Chapel in Islington. Funds raised from The London Music Awards go to the Mayor’s Music fund and are spent on lessons and instruments, as well as giving recipient’s exposure to other musicians and the opportunity to perform with bands and orchestras.