The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin, also known as the MOBOs) are an annual British music award presentation honouring achievements in " music of black origin", including hip hop, grime, UK Drill, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and

African music Given the vastness of the African continent, its music is diverse, with regions and nations having many distinct musical traditions. African music includes the genres amapiano, Jùjú, Fuji, Afrobeat, Highlife, Makossa, Kizomba, and others. The ...

. The MOBO Organisation was founded by

Kanya King Kanya King, (born in Kilburn, London) is a British entrepreneur who is the founder of the MOBO Awards. Biography King was born in Kilburn, London, to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father, being the youngest of their nine children. Her father ...

, and the first MOBO award was presented to Baby D, in the Best Dance Act category. The inaugural awards were broadcast by

Carlton Television Carlton Television (now part of the non-franchised ITV London region) was the ITV franchise holder for London and the surrounding counties from 9.25am every Monday to 5.15pm every Friday. The company is now managed with London Weekend Televi ...

from London's Connaught Rooms. Across its 22-year history, the MOBOs have been broadcast on Channel 4,

BBC Television BBC Television is a service of the BBC. The corporation has operated a public broadcast television service in the United Kingdom, under the terms of a royal charter, since 1927. It produced television programmes from its own studios from 193 ...

ITV2 ITV2 is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. It was launched on 7 December 1998. For a number of years, it had the largest audience share after the five analogue terrestrial stations, a ...

and on Channel 5 before returning to the BBC in 2020. In 2009, the ceremony was held for the first time in Glasgow. Prior to that, it had been held in London. In 2011, the ceremony returned for a second time to Scotland. The awards then moved to Leeds for the first time in 2015. The show returned to Leeds in 2017 when it was last held before going on hiatus. In 2020 it was confirmed it would be returning that year, however for the first time ever it would be streamed on YouTube.

Ceremonies

The ceremony was first broadcast regionally on

from 1996 to 1997, before airing nationwide on Channel 4 from 1998 until 2003. From 2004 to 2014, they were aired by the BBC; beginning in 2006, the show aired live on BBC Three, and highlights aired on BBC One. In 2014, the BBC dropped the MOBO Awards, and the ceremony moved to ITV under a three-year deal, airing on

with same-night highlights on

ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of: ** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...

. In 2017, the ceremony moved to Channel 5 and BET. In 2018, the MOBO Organisation announced that the ceremony would take a one-year hiatus in order to plan a "bigger, revamped show" in 2019. However, the show did not materialise, with organisers now planning to hold the ceremony in 2020 instead; Kanya King stated that there would be "positive changes" to the show, and that they would be "returning with even more determination and energy to support and boost our culture wherever we can."

Table summary

Performers

In the course of its history, the MOBO Awards show has witnessed performances from UK and international talent. Over the years, artists have included

Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...

, E-17,

Destiny's Child Destiny's Child was an American girl group whose final line-up comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Houston, Texas. After years of limited ...

Dionne Warwick Marie Dionne Warwick (; born December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress, and television host. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest U.S. hit makers between 1955 and 1999, based on her chart history on ''Billboards Hot 100 pop singles cha ...

Lisa Maffia Lisa Maffia (born 16 June 1979) is a British singer-songwriter, musician, rapper, actress, fashion designer, model and presenter, who originally came to the public's attention as the main female member of So Solid Crew. Whilst in So Solid Crew, ...

Justin Timberlake Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with sales of over 88 million records. Timberlake is the recipient of numerous awards and ac ...

, Kanye West, Tina Turner, Rosie Gaines, Dizzee Rascal,

Jay-Z Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...

LL Cool J James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, along ...

, Amy Winehouse,

Stefflon Don Stephanie Victoria Allen (born 14 December 1991), better known by her stage name Stefflon Don, is a British rapper and singer. She rose to fame after her 2017 single " Hurtin' Me" featuring French Montana peaked at number 7 on UK Singles Chart ...

Coolio Artis Leon Ivey Jr. (August 1, 1963 – September 28, 2022), known professionally as Coolio, was an American rapper. First rising to fame as a member of the gangsta rap group WC and the Maad Circle, Coolio achieved mainstream success as a solo ...

Usher Usher may refer to: Several jobs which originally involved directing people and ensuring people are in the correct place: * Usher (occupation) ** Church usher ** Wedding usher, one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony ** Fiel ...

, John Legend,

Jason Derulo Jason Joel Desrouleaux (born September 21, 1989), known professionally as Jason Derulo (; formerly stylized as Derülo), is an American singer and songwriter.

, and

Jessie J Jessica Ellen Cornish (born 27 March 1988), known professionally as Jessie J, is an English singer. Born and raised in London, she began her career on stage, aged 11, with a role in the West End musical '' Whistle Down the Wind''. She studied ...

. In 2000,

Sade Sade may refer to: People * Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), French aristocrat, writer, and libertine * Sade (singer) (born 1959, Helen Folasade Adu), British Nigerian musician and lead singer of the eponymous band * Sade Baderinwa (born 1969), WAB ...

came out of retirement to perform at the Awards, her first performance in almost a decade.

History

launched the MOBO awards in 1996, aiming to establish a platform for music that, according to King, encompasses urban, hip hop, R&B and reggae.

1996

*Best Album: Goldie - ''

Timeless Timeless (or atemporal) or timelessness (or atemporality) may refer to: * Agelessness, the condition of being unaffected by the passage of time * Akal (Sikh term), timelessness in Sikhism * Eternity, timeless existence or infinite duration * Immo ...

'' *Best Single: Gabrielle - " Give Me a Little More Time" *Best Newcomer: Peace by Piece *Best Video: Tupac Shakur featuring

Dr. Dre Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper and record producer. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and ...

and Roger Troutman - " California Love" *Best Hip-Hop Act:

Blak Twang Blak Twang (born Tony Olabode in England), who also uses the pseudonyms Taipanic and Tony Rotton, is a British rapper who grew up in Deptford, Lewisham, South-East London. Blak Twang is world-renowned for his live performances, and is also resp ...

*Best R&B Act: Mark Morrison *Best Reggae Act:

Peter Hunnigale Peter Hunnigale, also known as Mr. Honey Vibes (born 12 December 1960, South London, England) is a British reggae singer best known for his lovers rock releases. Biography Hunnigale started his career as bass guitarist with the Vibes Corner Coll ...

*Best Gospel Act:

New Colours ''New Colours'' is a 1971 album by UK pop group The New Seekers. It was their first album released on the Polydor label. Overview In the UK, The New Seekers had failed to gain mainstream success until mid-1971 when the single "Never Ending So ...

*Best Jazz Act: Courtney Pine *Best Dance Act: Baby D *Best Jungle Act: Goldie *Best DJ:

Trevor Nelson Trevor Ricardo Nelson, MBE (born 7 January 1964) is an English DJ and presenter. Early life Born in the London Borough of Hackney to a family of St Lucian heritage, Nelson attended Central Foundation Boys' Grammar School (now known as Central ...

*Best International Act: Fugees *Best International Single: Fugees - " Killing Me Softly" *Outstanding Contribution to Black Music:

Jazzie B Trevor Beresford Romeo OBE, (born 26 January 1963) better known as Jazzie B, is a British DJ and music producer. He is the founder of Soul II Soul. Life and career Jazzie was born in London UK to parents of Antiguan descent in Hornsey, Londo ...

*Lifetime Achievement Award:

Lionel Richie Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality. He rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of funk band the Commodores; writing and recordi ...

1997

The 1997 award ceremony was held at London's New Connaught Rooms on 10 November. The gala included performances by

Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the " Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and " Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Award ...

and

Eternal Eternal(s) or The Eternal may refer to: * Eternity, an infinite amount of time, or a timeless state * Immortality or eternal life * God, the supreme being, creator deity, and principal object of faith in monotheism Comics, film and television * ...

. *Best Dance Act:

The Prodigy The Prodigy are an English electronic dance music band formed in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by producer, keyboard player and songwriter Liam Howlett. The original line-up also featured dancer and singer Keith Flint and dancer and occasional l ...

*Best R&B Act:

Shola Ama Shola Ama (born 8 March 1979) is a British singer from London, who scored her biggest hits with "You Might Need Somebody" (1997), a cover of Randy Crawford's 1981 hit, " You're the One I Love" and "Still Believe" (1999) which was one of the fi ...

*Best Hip Hop: Funky DL *Best International Hip Hop:

*Best Reggae Act:

Finley Quaye Finley Quaye (born 25 March 1974, Edinburgh, Scotland) is a Scottish musician. He won the 1997 MOBO Award for best reggae act, and the 1998 BRIT Award for Best Male Solo Artist. Life Finley Quaye is the son of vaudeville pianist Cab Kaye and t ...

*Best Jungle Act: Roni Size and

Reprazent Roni Size & Reprazent (stylised as Roni Size / Reprazent) are a British drum and bass group fronted by Roni Size. Their debut album ''New Forms'' won the Mercury Music Prize in 1997. Their follow-up album ''In the Møde'' featured artists inclu ...

*Best Single:

*Best Video: Will Smith *Best International Act: Blackstreet *Best Album: Jamiroquai *Best Newcomer:

*Best Unsigned Act:

Fola Sade Fola may refer to: *Fódla, (sometimes Fóla ''or'' Fola), a goddess in Irish mythology * LÉ Fola (CM12), a Ton-class minesweeper of the Irish Naval Service, named after the Irish goddess * CA Fola Esch, an athletics club from Esch-sur-Alzette, Lu ...

*Best International Reggae Act:

Beenie Man Anthony Moses Davis (born 22 August 1973), better known by his stage name Beenie Man, is a Jamaican Dancehall deejay. Biography Davis was born in the Waterhouse district of Kingston in 1973.Moskowitz, David V. (2006) ''Caribbean Popular Mus ...

*Best Producer: Sean Puffy Combs *Best Radio DJ:

David Rodigan David Michael "Ram Jam" Rodigan MBE OD (born 24 June 1951) is a British radio DJ who also performs as a disc jockey. Known for his selections of reggae and dancehall music, he has played on stations including Radio London, Capital 95.8, Kiss ...

*Best Club DJ: Metalheadz *Best Jazz Act:

Sunship Ceri Evans, better known as Sunship, is an English record producer, DJ, remixer and jazz pianist. Evans' musical career began in 1981 as a member of the jazz-funk band Swamp Children who released the album ''So Hot'' on Factory Records in 1982 ...

*Best Gospel Act: Beehive *Best International Single: Rosie Gaines " Closer Than Close" *Outstanding Achievement: Mick Hucknall *Lifetime Achievement:

Bootsy Collins William Earl "Bootsy" Collins (born October 26, 1951) is an American bass guitarist and singer. Rising to prominence with James Brown in the early 1970s, and later with Parliament-Funkadelic, Collins established himself as one of the leading n ...

1998

The Malibu MOBO Awards show was held at The Royal Albert Hall and hosted by

Mel B Melanie Janine Brown (born 29 May 1975), commonly known as Melanie B or Mel B, is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of the girl group Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Sc ...

and Bill Bellamy. It was broadcast nationally by Channel 4. Performers and presenters included footballer

Sol Campbell Sulzeer Jeremiah Campbell (born 18 September 1974) is an English professional football manager and former player who was most recently the manager of club Southend United. He previously managed Macclesfield Town from November 2018 to August 20 ...

, girl band All Saints, DJ

, boxers

Lennox Lewis Lennox Claudius Lewis (born 2 September 1965) is a former professional boxer and boxing commentator who competed from 1989 to 2003. He is a three-time world heavyweight champion, a two-time lineal champion, and the last heavyweight to hold ...

and Chris Eubank,

Puff Daddy Puff may refer to: Science and technology * Puff, a small quantity of gas or smoke in the air ** Puff, a light gust of wind ** Exhalation ** Inhalation * Puff model, volcanic ash tracking model developed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks * PUF ...

Chaka Khan Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known by her stage name Chaka Khan (), is an American singer. Her career has spanned more than five decades, beginning in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus. Known as the " Qu ...

, Goldie, Another Level, and Martine McCutcheon. Contribution to Black Music went to Carl McIntosh and B.B. King won the Lifetime Achievement Award. * Best Dance Act: Stardust * Best Reggae Act:

Glamma Kid Iyael Lyases Tafari Constable (born 14 March 1978, London Borough of Hackney, Hackney, London, England), better known as Glamma Kid, is a Deejay (Jamaican), toaster and former Royal Air Force trainee of part-Jamaican descent. He had two top 10 hi ...

* Best Drum and Bass:

4 Hero 4hero are an electronic music group from Dollis Hill, London, comprising producers Mark "Marc Mac" Clair & Denis "Dego" McFarlane. While the band is often cited as ''4 Hero'' or ''4-Hero'', the name is stylised as ''4hero'' on their albums and ...

* Best Hip Hop Act:

Pheobe 1 Phoebe or Phœbe may refer to: __NOTOC__ People and characters * Phoebe (given name), a list of people, mythological, biblical and fictional characters *Phoebe (Greek myth), several characters * Phoebe, an epithet of Artemis/ Diana and Selene/Luna, ...

* Best Unsigned Act: Alison Brown * Best Newcomer: Lynden David Hall * Best R&B Act: Beverley Knight * Best International Reggae:

* Contribution to Music: Carl McIntosh * Best Video: All Saints * Best International Act: Puff Daddy and the Family * Best International Single:

Pras Prakazrel Samuel Michel (; born October 19, 1972) is a Haitian-American rapper, producer, songwriter and actor. He is best known as a member of the hip hop group Fugees, alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. After the Fugees, he earned two ...

feat

ODB ODB may refer to: People * Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004), American rapper and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan * ODB (wrestler) (born 1978), Stage name of American professional wrestler Jessica Kresa * Original David Baker (born 1972), a monik ...

/ Mýa * Best Single: Another Level * Best Album: Adam F * Outstanding Achievement: Sean Combs * Lifetime Achievement: BB King

1999

The 1999 Malibu MOBO Awards award ceremony was held at The Royal Albert Hall, sponsored by Malibu and hosted by

and Wyclef Jean. International Hip-Hop Act Award went to

, Best Album was awarded to Beverley Knight, International Act to Lauryn Hill and Lifetime Achievement Award to Tina Turner. Performers and presenters included Des'ree, Dru Hill, Method Man & Redman, Tim Westwood,

, Lulu, Victoria Beckham, Chris Eubank, Another Level, Ladysmith Black Mambazo,

, and girl band

. * Best International R&B Act:

* Best Newcomer:

Kele Le Roc Kelly Biggs (born 5 October 1977 in East Ham, London), better known by her stage name Kele Le Roc, is a British R&B and UK garage singer. Career Biggs began singing at the age of three, and she attended Langdon Comprehensive School in East Ham ...

* Best International Act: Lauryn Hill * Best Hip Hop Act: Roots Manuva * Best International Hip Hop Act:

Jay Z Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...

* Best Dance Act: Shanks & Bigfoot * Best Video:

TLC TLC may refer to: Arts and entertainment Television * ''TLC'' (TV series), a 2002 British situational comedy television series that aired on BBC2 * TLC (TV network), formerly the Learning Channel, an American cable TV network ** TLC (Asia), an As ...

- "

No Scrubs "No Scrubs" is a song recorded by American girl group TLC as the lead single from their third studio album, ''FanMail'', on February 2, 1999, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The song was written by producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, forme ...

" * Best Album: Beverley Knight - ''Prodigal Sista'' * Best DJ:

* Best Single:

* Best Unsigned Act: Amoyé * Best International Single:

Eminem Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem (; often stylized as EMINƎM), is an American rapper and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclai ...

- "

My Name Is "My Name Is" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his second album ''The Slim Shady LP'' (1999). It is also the opening song and lead single of the album. The song samples British singer Labi Siffre's 1975 track "I Got The..." as a bass and g ...

" * Best Reggae Act:

Mr Vegas Clifford Smith (born December 29th, 1974), better known as Mr. Vegas, is a Jamaican dancehall musician. Biography Clifford Smith was born in Kingston in 1974.Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) "The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.", Rough G ...

* Contribution to Music:

Erskine Thompson Erskine (, sco, Erskin, gd, Arasgain) is a town in the council area of Renfrewshire, and historic county of the same name, situated in the West Central Lowlands of Scotland. It lies on the southern bank of the River Clyde, providing the lo ...

* Best R&B Act: Beverley Knight * Lifetime Achievement Award: Tina Turner

2000

The MOBO Awards 2000 ceremony took place at

Alexandra Palace Alexandra Palace is a Grade II listed entertainment and sports venue in London, situated between Wood Green and Muswell Hill in the London Borough of Haringey. It is built on the site of Tottenham Wood and the later Tottenham Wood Farm. Origi ...

, hosted by

and Lisa Left Eye Lopes and sponsored by Mastercard. There show opened with a performance of Money by Jamelia featuring

. Craig David performed an acoustic medley of Fill Me In, 7 Days and Nice & Slow by

exclusively performed By Your Side, Gabrielle performed

Rise Rise or RISE may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional entities * '' Rise: The Vieneo Province'', an internet-based virtual world * Rise FM, a fictional radio station in the video game ''Grand Theft Auto 3'' * Rise Kujikawa, a video ...

, MJ Cole performed Crazy Love featuring

Elizabeth Troy Elizabeth or Elisabeth may refer to: People * Elizabeth (given name), a female given name (including people with that name) * Elizabeth (biblical figure), mother of John the Baptist Ships * HMS ''Elizabeth'', several ships * ''Elisabeth'' (sch ...

, Donell Jones performed

U Know What's Up "U Know What's Up" is a song by American R&B singer Donell Jones. It was written by Edward "Eddie F." Ferrell, Darren Lighty, Clifton Lighty, Balewa Muhammad, Anthony Hamilton, Clifford Harris, and Veronica McKenzie for his second studio album, ...

featuring ceremony host, Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes. The show closed with a performance of Who Let The Dogs Out by Baha Men. In addition to their performances, Craig David, Jamelia, Beenie Man, MJ Cole and Gabrielle also won awards. With Craig David receiving three awards in total. Award presenters included MOBO Award founder,

, Honeyz, Melanie Sykes amongst others. *Best Newcomer: Craig David *Best Video: Jamelia - Money *Best Hip Hop Act:

*Best Reggae Act: Beenie Man *Best Gospel Act:

Mary Mary Mary Mary is a female American urban contemporary gospel duo composed of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell (born April 29, 1972) and Trecina Atkins-Campbell (born May 1, 1974). Formed in 1998, Mary Mary was launched into mainstream recognition fo ...

*Best Jazz Act: Ronny Jordan *Best World Music Act:

Carlos Santana Carlos Humberto Santana Barragán (; born July 20, 1947) is an American guitarist who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, which pioneered a fusion of Rock and roll and Latin American jazz. Its sound featured ...

*Best UK Garage Act:

DJ Luck & MC Neat DJ Luck & MC Neat are a British musical duo, composed of Joel Samuels (a.k.a. DJ Luck) and Michael Rose (a.k.a. MC Neat) mainly performing a combination of house music and UK garage. They had three consecutive top 10 hits in the United Kingd ...

*Best Producer: MJ Cole *Best UK Radio DJ: Tim Westwood *Best UK Club: Steve Sutherland *MOBO Unsigned Award:

Cherise A cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus ''Prunus'', and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit). Commercial cherries are obtained from cultivars of several species, such as the sweet ''Prunus avium'' and the sour ''Prunus cerasus''. The nam ...

*Outstanding Contribution to Music:

Aswad Aswad are a British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid-1970s, having released a total of 21 albums. Their UK hit singles include the number one "Don't Tur ...

*Outstanding Achievement:

L.A. Reid Antonio Marquis "L.A." Reid (born June 7, 1956) is an American record executive, A&R representative, and record producer. He is the founder and served as co-chairman of Hitco Entertainment. He also previously served as the chairman and CEO of Ep ...

*Best UK Single: " Fill Me In" by Craig David *Best UK Album: ''

'' by Gabrielle

2001

2002

* Best R&B Act: Ashanti

2003

In 2003, the MOBO awards show moved to The Royal Albert Hall and was hosted by Blu Cantrell and

Lil' Kim Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1974), Those giving 1974 include: * * * * * better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and reality television personality. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, she lived much of he ...

, with performances from

DMX Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album ''It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'' in 1998, to both critical acclaim ...

, Lumidee, Wayne Wonder, George Benson, Lemar, Seal,

Mis-Teeq Mis-Teeq were a British girl group, consisting of Alesha Dixon, Su-Elise Nash and Sabrina Washington. They had two top-ten albums and seven consecutive top-ten singles, with chart-topping success on the UK Singles Chart as well as across Euro ...

and Redman, J'Nay John Adeleye,

Big Brovaz Big Brovaz (pronounced as "brothers") are an R&B and hip hop music group from London, England. In their seven-year career they released two studio albums and eight singles. There were three line-up changes with two of the original members le ...

, The Black Eyed Peas and Kool and the Gang. Among the winners of the night were:

50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and businessman. Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, Jackson began pursuing a musical career in 2000, when he produced ...

, Big Brovaz and

, who was the only UK female artist to win an award.

2004

The ninth awards ceremony took place on 30 September 2004 at The Royal Albert Hall and was broadcast by

received the icon award.

So Solid Crew So Solid Crew are a British UK garage and hip hop collective originating from the area on and surrounding the Winstanley and York Road Estates in Battersea, London which achieved wide success in the early 2000s. The group consisted of many m ...

won the award in the UK garage Act category award beating Dizzee Rascal and The Streets. Controversy surrounded the removal of reggae artists Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man from the "Best Reggae Act" category at the 2004 awards due to their

homophobia Homophobia encompasses a range of negative attitude (psychology), attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay or bisexual. It has been defined as contempt, prejudice, aversion, h ...

and incitement to murder.

2005

The 2005 awards show saw one of the biggest line-ups in MOBO award history, including John Legend, Ms Dynamite, Lemar, Kano, Damien Marley, Public Enemy and Lauryn Hill. The event was hosted by Gina Yashere and Akon at The Royal Albert Hall, with guest presenters Chris Eubank,

, Josie Darby, Simon Webbe, Myleene Klass, Estelle, Tim Westwood, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Chuck D. Big winners on the night included Corrine Bailey-Rae, Lemar, The Black Eyed Peas,

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, Rihanna auditioned for American record producer Evan Rogers who invited her to the ...

Sean Paul Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques OD (born 9 January 1973) is a Jamaican rapper and singer who is regarded as one of dancehall's most prolific artists. Paul's singles "Get Busy" and "Temperature" topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart in the ...

and

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Beyoncé's boundary-pushing artistry and vocals have made her the most influential female musician of the 21st century, according to ...

2006

In 2006 the awards ceremony was hosted by

and Gina Yashere at The Royal Albert Hall. For the first time the World Music and Jazz categories were suspended. Corinne Bailey Rae won the prize for Best UK Newcomer and

Jai Amore Julian "Jai Amore" Amoah (born 14 July 1985) is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. In 2006 he won the MOBO Award for Best Unsigned Act, gaining recognition when he opened the stage with at the Awards Ceremony at The Royal Albert ...

won Best Unsigned Act. British rapper Akala won Best Hip Hop Act, beating stiff competition from American acts such as Kanye West,

, and The Game.

2007

The 2007 awards ceremony was broadcast live on BBC Three from the

O2 Arena O2 Arena may refer to: *The O2 Arena (London) *O2 Arena (Prague) *The 3Arena The 3Arena (originally The O2) is an indoor amphitheatre located at North Wall Quay in the Dublin Docklands in Dublin, Ireland. The venue opened as The O2 on 16 Decemb ...

in London and hosted by

Shaggy Shaggy may refer to: People *Shaggy (musician) (born 1968), Jamaican American reggae rapper and singer *Shaggy 2 Dope, half of the hip hop, horrorcore band Insane Clown Posse *Shaggy Flores (born 1973), Nuyorican poet, writer and African diaspora ...

and Jamelia. The jazz category returned. Shaggy opened the evening with a medley. T-Pain performed on stage with Yung Joc, Craig David and Kano collaborated on stage; Ne-Yo,

Mutya Buena Rosa Isabel Mutya Buena (born 21 May 1985) is an English singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of girl group the Sugababes. With the Sugababes, Buena had four UK number one singles, an additional six top-ten hits and three multi-pl ...

and Robin Thicke also performed. Amy Winehouse performed two songs and accepted the award for Best UK Female. N-Dubz won Best Newcomer. England cricketer Monty Panesar and England footballer Micah Richards were among a line up of guests presenting individual awards which also included Sinitta and Quentin Tarantino.

2008

*Best Album: Leona Lewis, '' Spirit'' *Best Song: Estelle, " American Boy" *Best Uk Male:: Dizzee Rascal *Best Uk Female: Estelle *Best Uk Newcomer: Chipmunk *Best Video: Leona Lewis, "

Bleeding Love "Bleeding Love" is a song recorded by English singer Leona Lewis for her debut studio album ''Spirit'' (2007). It was written and originally recorded by Jesse McCartney, and was co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder. The song was released as t ...

" *Best Hip Hop Act: Lil Wayne *Best R&B/Soul Act:

Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. According to '' Billboard'', Brown is one of the most successful R&B singers of his generation, having often been referred to by many contempo ...

*Best Reggae Act: Mavado *Best Gospel Act: Jahaziel *Best Jazz Act:

YolanDa Brown YolanDa Faye Brown (born 4 October 1982) is a British saxophonist, composer, and broadcaster. Her musical sound is a fusion of reggae, jazz and soul. In 2022 she was appointed chair of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Early life and ...

*Best African Act: 9ice *Best International Act:

*Best Club DJ: Tim Westwood *Best Radio DJ: Tim Westwood *Be Mobo:

Ricky McCalla Ricky may refer to: Places *Říčky (Brno-Country District), a village and municipality in the Czech Republic *Říčky v Orlických horách, a village in the north of the Czech Republic *Rickmansworth, a town in England sometimes called "Ricky" ...

*Lifetime Achievement: Mary Wilson

2009

The 2009 awards event took place on 30 September at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, the first time the MOBO awards show took place outside London. A tribute performance was dedicated to Michael Jackson, and the Young Soul Rebels performed their charity single "

I Got Soul "I Got Soul" is a 2009 charity single by charity group War Child UK, recorded by Young Soul Rebels. It was released on 19 October 2009. It is a cover of The Killers' " All These Things That I've Done". A spokesman for War Child UK said, "We're ...

". Reggie Yates and Keri Hilson hosted the awards show, with Peter Andre presenting backstage.

2010

The awards ceremony took place on 20 October 2010 in Liverpool. * Best Newcomer: Tinie Tempah * Best UK Hip-Hop/Grime Act:

Professor Green Stephen Paul Manderson (born 27 November 1983), better known by his stage name Professor Green or simply Pro Green, is an English rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, television personality and mental health activist from London. Growing up on ...

* Best African Act:

K'Naan Keinan Abdi Warsame (born 1 February 1978) ( so, Keynaan Cabdi Warsame, ar, كَينَان عَبدِ وَرسَمَ ''Kaynān ʿAbdi Warsama''), better known by his stage name K'naan (), is a Somali-Canadian musician. He rose to prominence ...

* Best Video: Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth – Frisky * Best Reggae Act: Gyptian * Best Jazz Act:

Empirical Empirical evidence for a proposition is evidence, i.e. what supports or counters this proposition, that is constituted by or accessible to sense experience or experimental procedure. Empirical evidence is of central importance to the sciences and ...

* Best Gospel Act:

Guvna B Isaac Borquaye (born 13 June 1989), better known as Guvna B, is a rapper, author and broadcaster from Custom House, London. He has released 10 albums, 2 books and has produced segments for the BBC and a football pundit for Sky Sports News' '' ...

* Best UK R&B/Soul Act:

Plan B Plan B typically refers to a contingency plan, a plan devised for an outcome other than in the expected plan. Plan B may also refer to: * Plan B, a brand name of levonorgestrel, an emergency contraception drug Film and television * Plan B En ...

* Best International Act:

* Best UK Act:

JLS JLS (an initialism of Jack the Lad Swing) are an English boyband, which consists of members Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill, originally formed by Williams. They initially signed to Tracklacers production company Ne ...

* Best Song: N-Dubz ft Mr Hudson - Playing With Fire * Best Album:

* Lifetime Achievement: Billy Ocean

2011

The awards show returned to Glasgow's SEC Centre on 5 October 2011, hosted by

Jason Derülo Jason Joel Desrouleaux (born September 21, 1989), known professionally as Jason Derulo (; formerly stylized as Derülo), is an American singer and songwriter.

and

Alesha Dixon Alesha Anjanette Dixon (born 7 October 1978) is an English singer, rapper, dancer, television personality, and author. She gained recognition in the early 2000s as a member of the R&B, garage and hip hop group Mis-Teeq. The group disbanded in ...

won four awards, making her the biggest winner of the night.

Boyz II Men Boyz II Men (pronounced ''boys to men''), also known as B2M, is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are currently a trio composed of baritone Nathan M ...

received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Other winners included

, Tinie Tempah, Adele and

Alborosie Alberto D'Ascola (; born 4 July 1977), better known by his stage name Alborosie, is an Italian reggae artist. He is sometimes called the "Italian Reggae Ambassador". Music career Early life (2001–2005) Born Alberto d’Ascola and raised in ...

. Amy Winehouse was given an award and a special tribute, following her death in July 2011. * Best Gospel: Triple O * Best Jazz:

Kairos Quartet The Kairos Quartet is a Berlin-based string quartet founded in 1996. History The Kairos Quartet (initially "work in progress quartet") specialises in music from 1950 onwards. At the time of its foundation in 1996 Alborosie Alberto D'Ascola (; born 4 July 1977), better known by his stage name Alborosie, is an Italian reggae artist. He is sometimes called the "Italian Reggae Ambassador". Music career Early life (2001–2005) Born Alberto d’Ascola and raised in ...

* Best African Act: Wizkid * Best Song:

* Best R&B/Soul: Adele * Best Album:

* Best Hip Hop/Grime: Tinie Tempah * Best Video:

Tinchy Stryder Kwasi Esono Danquah III ( ; born 14 September 1986), known by the stage name Tinchy Stryder, is a Ghanaian British, Ghanaian-British rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and investor. Stryder has released three solo (music), solo studio al ...

ft. Dappy * Best Newcomer:

* Best International:

2012

The 17th Awards show took place on 3 November 2012 at the Liverpool Arena. Presented by Miquita Oliver and

Adam Deacon Adam Steven Deacon (born 4 March 1983) is an English actor, rapper, writer and director. He is known for his lead role in the films ''Kidulthood'', sequel ''Adulthood'' and for his directorial debut, '' Anuvahood''. Career Deacon was brought up ...

- with backstage support from Rickie and Melvin - the night saw Trey Songz, Conor Maynard, Emeli Sandé, Misha B,

Stooshe Stooshe () are a British girl group from London, consisting of three members Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson and Courtney Rumbold. Initially signed to Warner Music they released of their first single " Love Me", featuring US rapper Travie McCoy ...

, Labrinth, Angel and Wiley perform. Emeli Sandé won awards for Best Female, Best Album and Best R&B/Soul while

took Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop/Grime.

were awarded Outstanding Contribution to Music, with

receiving the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. The full list of winners where: * Best Gospel:

Rachel Kerr Rachel Charmaine Kerr is a British singer/songwriter, celebrity vocal coach and entrepreneur from Walsall, England. She is also the CEO and founder of Singercise. She is a member of the Grammy Award Association and a BET Music Matters endorsed ...

* Best Jazz: Zoe Rahman * Best Reggae:

* Best African Act: D'Banj * Best Song: Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah, " Earthquake" * Best R&B/Soul: Emeli Sandé * Best Album: Emeli Sandé * Best Hip Hop/Grime: Plan B * Best Video: JLS * Best Female Act: Emeli Sandé * Best Male Act: Plan B * Best Newcomer: Rita Ora * Best International: Nicki Minaj

2013

The 18th Awards show took place on 19 October 2013 and was held at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. It was hosted by

and Sarah-Jane Crawford. Performances included Tinie Tempah, Iggy Azalea, Naughty Boy, Rudimental and

Jahméne Douglas Jahméne Aaron Douglas (born 1991) is a British soul/gospel singer who records under the mononym Jahméne. He was the runner-up to James Arthur on the ninth series of ''The X Factor'' in 2012. In December 2012, he signed a record deal with Son ...

Winners

* Best Male Act: Wiley * Best Female Act:

Laura Mvula Laura Mvula ( Douglas; born 23 April 1986) is a British singer. A native of Birmingham, England, Mvula has gained experience as a young member or leader of a cappella, jazz/neo-soul and gospel groups and choirs. She was classically trained. In ...

* Best Song: Naughty Boy, " La La La" * Best Album: Rudimental, ''

Home A home, or domicile, is a space used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for one or many humans, and sometimes various companion animals. It is a fully or semi sheltered space and can have both interior and exterior aspects to it. H ...

'' * Best Newcomer: Krept and Konan, ft. "Dizzy" Daniel Moorehead * Best R&B/Soul:

* Best UK Hip Hop/Grime: Tinie Tempah * Best Video: Naughty Boy, " La La La" * Best Gospel:

Lurine Cato Lurine Lilian Cato, British gospel singer, songwriter and session vocalist, won the MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act in 2013 and was nominated in the same category in 2017. She was a finalist on the 12th Season of '' Britain's Got Talent 2018'' ...

* Best Jazz:

Sons of Kemet Sons of Kemet are a British jazz group formed by Shabaka Hutchings, Oren Marshall, Seb Rochford, and Tom Skinner. Theon Cross replaced Marshall on tuba after the first album, and Eddie Hick replaced Rochford on drums after the third. Career T ...

* Best Reggae:

* Best African Act: Fuse ODG * Best International: Kendrick Lamar

2014

The 19th Awards show took place on 22 October 2014 and was held at The SSE Arena in London. It was hosted by

and Sarah-Jane Crawford. It was broadcast live on

for the first time.

Performances

*Professor Green feat Tori Kelly - Lullaby *Jessie J feat Kid Ink - Bang Bang + Burnin' Up *Krept & Konan & The All Stars - Don't Waste My Time *Fekky & Meridan Dan - Still Sittin Here + German Whip *Candi Staton & Little Simz - You've Got The Love *Jeremih feat Krept & Konan - Don't Tell 'Em *Ella Eyre - Comeback *Nicole Scherzinger - On The Rocks *Gorgon City Feat. MNEK & Jess Glynne - Ready For Your Love + Right Here

Winners

* Best African Act: Fuse ODG * Best Album: Sam Smith, ''

In the Lonely Hour ''In the Lonely Hour'' is the debut album by English singer and songwriter Sam Smith. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 May 2014 via Capitol UK and Method Records. In the United States, it was released on 17 June 2014 through Capitol ...

'' * Best Female Act:

* Best Gospel Act: Living Faith Connection Choir * Best Grime Act:

Stormzy Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. (born 26 July 1993), known professionally as Stormzy, is a British rapper, singer and songwriter. In 2014, he gained attention on the UK underground music scene through his ''Wicked Skengman'' series of f ...

* Best Hip Hop Act: Krept and Konan * Best International Artist:

* Best Jazz Act:

Zara McFarlane Zara McFarlane is a British jazz/soul singer and songwriter, based in East London. In October 2014, McFarlane was awarded the title of "Best Jazz Act" at the MOBO Awards. She has had four albums released by Brownswood Recordings. Early life Zara ...

* Best Male Act: Sam Smith * Best Newcomer: Ella Eyre * Best R&B/Soul Act: Sam Smith * Best Reggae Act: Stylo G * Best Song: Sam Smith, " Stay with Me" * Best Video:

Skepta Chief Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. (born 19 September 1982), known professionally as Skepta, is a British-Nigerian grime MC, rapper and record producer. Alongside his younger brother Jme, he briefly joined Roll Deep before they became founding ...

ft. JME, " That's Not Me"

2015

The 20th Awards show took place on 4 November 2015 and was held at the

First Direct Arena The First Direct Arena (also known as the Leeds Arena) is an entertainment-focused indoor arena located in the Arena Quarter of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is the first in the United Kingdom to have a fan-shaped orientation. The arena o ...

in Leeds. The show was broadcast live on ITV2 and hosted by Sarah-Jane Crawford.

Performances

*Ella Eyre - "Even If" *Krept & Konan - "Do It for the Gang, Certified + Freak of the Week" *Lianne La Havas - "Unstoppable" *Naughty Boy - "Running Lose It All" *Rita Ora - "Body on Me + Poison" *Section Boyz - "Trapping Ain't Dead" *FKA twigs - "Figure 8 + In Time" *Fuse ODG - "Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad)" + "Dangerous Love" *Shakka - "Say Nada" *CeeLo Green - "Music to My Soul, Crazy" + "Forget You"

Winners

*Best Hip Hop Act: Krept and Konan *Best Gospel Act: Faith Child *Best Grime Act:

*Best African Act: Fuse ODG *Best Newcomer: Section Boyz *Best Male Act:

*Best Song:

, "

Shutdown Shutdown or shut down may refer to: * Government shutdowns in the United States * Shutdown (computing) * Shutdown (economics) * Shutdown (nuclear reactor) Arts and entertainment Music * "Shut Down" (The Beach Boys song), 1963 * ''Shut Down Volu ...

" *Best Female Act: Ella Eyre *Paving the Way Award: Lenny Henry *Best R&B/Soul Act: Shakka *Best Jazz Act:

Binker and Moses Moses Boyd (born 30 April 1991) is a British jazz drummer, composer, record producer, bandleader and radio host. His debut solo studio album ''Dark Matter'' (2020) was nominated for the 2020 Mercury Prize. In 2014, Boyd and saxophonist Binker ...

*Best Reggae Act: Popcaan *Best Video:

FKA Twigs Tahliah Debrett Barnett (born 17 January 1988), known professionally as FKA Twigs (stylized as FKA twigs), is an English singer, songwriter, and dancer. Born and raised in Cheltenham, she became a backup dancer for numerous famous musicians aft ...

- " Pendulum" *Best Album: Krept and Konan, '' The Long Way Home'' *Best International Album: Drake, '' If You're Reading This It's Too Late'' *Outstanding Achievement: CeeLo Green

2016

The 21st Awards show took place on 4 November 2016 and was held at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. The show was broadcast live on ITV2 and hosted by Rickie Haywood Williams and Melvin Odoom. Tinie Tempah was due to perform, but pulled out hours before the show. He was replaced by Professor Green. An error saw the wrong act given the award for Best Song. "Of the many worthy winners of best song, we deeply regret a mistake was made," said Mobo organisers, in a statement blaming a "production error".

Performances

*Laura Mvula - "Ready Or Not (Here I Come)" *Lady Leshurr - "Queen's Speech" + "Where Are You Now?" *Craig David - "Rewind + Fill Me In + 16 + When The Bassline Drops + Nothing Like This" *Chase & Status ft Tom Grennan & Frisco - "All Goes Wrong + Funny" *WSTRN - In2 *Clean Bandit ft Anne-Marie - "Rockabye" *Izzy Bizu - "Mad Behaviour" *Professor Green - "One Eye On The Door" *Popcaan ft Sneakbo - "Only Man She Wants + Too Cool" *Fekky ft Section Boyz - "Madting, Sadting"

Winners

*Best Male Act – Craig David *Best Female Act – Lady Leshurr *Best Newcomer – WSTRN *Best Album – Kano: Made In The Manor *Best Hip Hop Act – Section Boyz *Best Song – Abra Cadabra ft.

Krept & Konan Krept and Konan is a British hip hop duo from London, consisting of Casyo Valentine "Krept" Johnson BEM (born 4 February 1990, Gipsy Hill) and Karl Dominic "Konan" Wilson BEM (born 3 September 1989, Thornton Heath), the son of Delroy Wilso ...

- "Robbery (remix)" *Best Video –

Nadia Rose Nadia Rose (born 11 June 1993) is a British rapper and songwriter from Croydon, London. Education Rose studied Music and Music Management at university. Career Rose released her debut EP ''Highly Flammable'' on 13 January 2017 following the ...

- SKWOD *Best R&B/Soul – Shakka *Best Grime Act (In Association with BBC Radio 1Xtra) - Chip *Best International Act - Drake *Best Jazz Act - Esperanza Spalding *Best Gospel Act -

*Best Reggae Act - Popcaan *Best African Act - Wizkid *Paving The Way - Nicola Adams MBE and

Ms. Dynamite Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley (born 26 April 1981), better known as Ms. Dynamite, is a British singer and rapper. She is the recipient of the Mercury Music Prize, two Brit Awards and three MOBO Awards. Early years She was born Niomi Arleen Mc ...

2017

The MOBO Awards 2017 took place at Leeds First Direct Arena on 29 November. Stormzy won three awards while Stefflon Don's award made her the only female winner on the night. * Best Male Act -

* Best Female Act -

* Best Album:

–

Gang Signs & Prayer ''Gang Signs & Prayer'' is the debut studio album by British rapper Stormzy. It was released on 24 February 2017 independently through #Merky Records while being distributed by ADA of Warner Music Group. It is Stormzy's first major commercial rel ...

* Best Newcomer -

Dave Dave may refer to: Film, television, and theater * ''Dave'' (film), a 1993 film starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver * ''Dave'' (musical), a 2018 stage musical adaptation of the film * Dave (TV channel), a digital television channel in the ...

* Best Song: J Hus – "

Did You See ''Did You See...?'' was a long-running British television review programme that began on the BBC2 in 1980. The programme took a look back at the week's television with a discussion between the presenter and three guests. In the first run ther ...

" * Best Video: Mist – Hot Property * Best Hip-hop Act - Giggs * Best Grime Act -

* Best R&B/soul Act - Craig David * Best International Act - Wizkid * Best African Act -

Davido David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992), popularly known by his stage name Davido, is an American-Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His music blends traditional African elements with global mainstream pop. Davido is widel ...

* Best Reggae Act - Damian Marley * Best Jazz Act -

Moses Boyd Moses Boyd (born 30 April 1991) is a British jazz drummer, composer, record producer, bandleader and radio host. His debut solo studio album ''Dark Matter'' (2020) was nominated for the 2020 Mercury Prize. In 2014, Boyd and saxophonist Binke ...

* Best Gospel Act - Volney Morgan & New-Ye * Paving The Way - Idris Elba

2021

2022

MOBO UnSung Awards

MOBO UnSung is a biennial talent competition for unsigned acts, showcasing the next generation of urban artists. The 10 finalists (unusually increased to 11 in 2018 due to the high numbers of entrants), are narrowed down to a top 3, which the winner is then picked from.

2022

* Finalists – A30, Adreyn Cash, Crae Wolf, Genesis Elijah, JClarke, Jordan Adetunji, Mace The Great, Natalie Lindi, Sarah Ikumu, and Zitah. * Top 3 – TBC.

2018

* Finalists – Estée Blu, Fred Fredas, Fonzie, Graft, Harris Hameed, Ike Chuks, Jordz The Jay, Kris Evans, Marika, Sakyi 4, and Suelily. * Top 3 – Fred Fredas, Graft, and

Ike Chuks Diversity are a British street dance troupe formed in 2007 and based in London. They are best known for winning the third series of ''Britain's Got Talent'' in 2009, beating Susan Boyle in the live final. Diversity consists of friends from Lond ...

. * Winner – Graft.

2016

* Finalists – Alika, Mullally, Mega Keggwa, Reekz MB, Juls, Tion Wayne, Liz Lubega, WildBoyAce, Jay Alexzander, and U.G. * Top 3 – Alika, Mega Keggwa, and Mullally. * Winner – Alika.

2014

* Finalists – Basheba, Blizzard, Eyez, Geovarn,

Hayley May "Sorry (I Didn't Know)" is a song by UK garage duo Monsta Boy featuring Denzie on vocals. It was first released in 1999 on white label, then officially released as a single the following year via Locked On Records and XL Recordings. The song re ...

, J The Exodus, Mic Lowry, One 50, Tiana Major9 and YJ. * Top 3 –

Tiana Major9 Tiana Thomas-Ambersley (born 22 November 1995), known professionally as Tiana Major9, is a British singer-songwriter from London, England. She is currently signed to Motown and gained worldwide recognition with the Grammy nominated single "Col ...

, Mic Lowry, and YJ. * Winner –

Mic Lowry Mic Lowry, stylised as MiC LOWRY, is a British vocal harmony boy band from Liverpool singing pop, contemporary R&B and soul music. The five-member band was formed in 2011 and is currently made up of Delleile Ankrah, Kaine Ofoeme, Ben Sharples a ...

2013

* Winner – In'Sight.

2012

* Winner – Esco Williams.

Criticism

The MOBOs have faced criticism for having become increasingly oriented towards "commercial" urban music, and having given nominations and awards to musicians who are not black. In 2003, a boycott effort emerged after the American pop musicians

and Christina Aguilera won the awards for Best R&B Act and Best Video respectively. '' The Independent'' described the wins as being the result of the "white appropriation of black music". A MOBO spokesperson defended their presence, stating that the awards were designed to honour achievements in music of black origin, regardless of the ethnicity of their performers, and cited the increasing worldwide growth of urban music at the time. In 2006, DJ and music journalist Bigger wrote that the presentation had been "veering away from its concept of rewarding music of black origin" as early as its third edition, noting its increasing dominance by American acts at the expense of domestic acts. He argued that the show had become "little more than a pat on the back and a jolly boys' outing for major labels and American acts." In 2011, Lanre Bakare wrote in '' The Guardian'' that the show was being affected by the music industry's dilution of the distinctive black music scene, promoting it to mainstream audiences as popular music (including "manufactured", U.S.-style hip-hop and R&B). In the column, it was noted that Labrinth had criticized the nominations of Conor Maynard and Ed Sheeran for awards, while Charlie Dark of Attica Blues argued that the MOBOs needed to promote innovation in black music, and "shouldn't be an annual event where everyone pats themselves on the back for very small advances that they've made, when they are powerful enough to bring real change. If they don't adapt, artists who aren't interested in commercial pop and being put in musical boxes will just do their own thing." In 2020, English rock duo Nova Twins wrote an open letter on Twitter addressed to the MOBOs concerning the lack of a Rock/Alternative category, despite the fact that many POC have contributed to the evolution of rock music, and still are to this day, and hoping "that a Rock/Alternative category will be added to the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards in 2021, recognising the POC contributors to the genre". The MOBOS later replied on Twitter that "the MOBO Awards Judging Panel have actually discussed this and ... will continue to review potential category expansions for future Award ceremonies."

References

External links

*
Kanya King talks about setting up the MOBO awards
YouTube {{Music of the United Kingdom 1996 establishments in the United Kingdom Annual events in the United Kingdom Awards established in 1996 BBC Television shows Black British music British music awards Channel 4 original programming Channel 5 (British TV channel) original programming ITV (TV network) original programming Lifetime achievement awards

Ceremonies

Table summary

Performers

History

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Winners

2014

Performances

Winners

2015

Performances

Winners

2016

Performances

Winners

2017

2021

2022

MOBO UnSung Awards

2022

2018

2016

2014

2013

2012

Criticism

See also

References

External links