It’s been a tough year. The city’s live music scene shut down, artists held off releasing work, tours were canceled and the truth that we’re all still struggling with representation for Black artists is more apparent than ever. At the end of the day, this year’s City Paper Music Awards might be more about honoring the musicians that carried on and marched forward despite everything.
This year brought new releases from heavy hitters in the scene like Abstract that Rapper, Niecy Blues and LOBG. Newer faces like Baby Yaga and R Dotta had attention-grabbing work, promising plenty of positive things for the future. Plus, artists Mike Brown and ZachontheTrack got some national attention thanks, in part, to their tireless hustle and continuous stream of new work.
As you’ll notice, several categories and our annual City Paper Music Awards winners showcase concert were nixed this year due to the pandemic. We hope to see both return in 2021. Until then, head back to a local music venue as you feel safe, and keep an eye out for our livestreamed “2020 Sucks” concert on social media in the coming weeks. —Heath Ellison
2020 CPMA Winners
Hip-Hop Act of the Year
Abstract that Rapper
Jazz Artist of the Year
Zandrina Dunning
Metal Band of the Year
Fire and Flood
DJ of the Year
DJ Scrib
Singer-Songwriter of the Year
Niecy Blues
Rock Band of the Year
Baby Yaga
Soul/R&B Artist of the Year
Mike Brown
Producer/Studio of the Year
ZachOnTheTrack
Artist of the Year
Slim S.O.U.L.
Electronic/Experimental Artist of the Year
Contour
Music Video of the Year
“No More Tears” LOBG (shot by Stanley Green, produced by ZachOnTheTrack)
Jam Band of the Year
Sol Driven Train
Up-and-Coming Artist of the Year
R Dotta
Social-Distanced Concert or Livestream of the Year
“Three-Day Stream” by The Royal American
Country/Americana Artist of the Year Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.
Lauren Hall
