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 Hip-hop or hip hop (originally disco rap) is a popular music genre that emerged in the early 1970s from the African-American community of New York City. The style is characterized by its synthesis of a wide range of musical techniques. Hip- ...

, grime,

UK Drill UK drill is a subgenre of drill music and road rap that originated in the South London district of Brixton from 2012 onwards. While being sonically distinct from Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous ...

, R&B,

soul The soul is the purported Mind–body dualism, immaterial aspect or essence of a Outline of life forms, living being. It is typically believed to be Immortality, immortal and to exist apart from the material world. The three main theories that ...

reggae Reggae () is a music genre that originated in Jamaica during the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its Jamaican diaspora, diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, "Do the Reggay", was the first ...

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its roots are in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, h ...

gospel Gospel originally meant the Christianity, Christian message ("the gospel"), but in the second century Anno domino, AD the term (, from which the English word originated as a calque) came to be used also for the books in which the message w ...

, and Bantu music. The MOBO Awards were founded by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell. The first ever award was presented to Baby D, in the Best Dance Act category. The inaugural awards were broadcast by Carlton Television from London's Connaught Rooms. In 2009, the ceremony was held for the first time in

Glasgow Glasgow is the Cities of Scotland, most populous city in Scotland, located on the banks of the River Clyde in Strathclyde, west central Scotland. It is the List of cities in the United Kingdom, third-most-populous city in the United Kingdom ...

. 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 Leeds is a city in West Yorkshire, England. It is the largest settlement in Yorkshire and the administrative centre of the City of Leeds Metropolitan Borough, which is the second most populous district in the United Kingdom. It is built aro ...

for the first time in 2015 and returned there in 2017 before going on hiatus the following year. In 2020 it was confirmed it would be returning later that year, however for the first time ever it would be live streamed on

YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...

. For the first time,

Sheffield Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, England, situated south of Leeds and east of Manchester. The city is the administrative centre of the City of Sheffield. It is historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire and some of its so ...

hosted in 2024 with Newcastle announced as the 2025 host city. Across its history, the MOBOs have been broadcast on

Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. It is state-owned enterprise, publicly owned but, unlike the BBC, it receives no public funding and is funded en ...

BBC Television BBC Television is a service of the BBC. The corporation has operated a Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom, public broadcast television service in the United Kingdom, under the terms of a royal charter, since 1 January 1927. It p ...

ITV2 ITV2 is a Television in the United Kingdom, 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 fiv ...

, Channel 5 and BET before returning to the BBC in 2020.

Ceremonies

The ceremony was first broadcast regionally on Carlton Television from 1996 to 1997, before airing nationwide on

from 1998 until 2003. From 2004 to 2013, they were aired by the

BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...

; beginning in 2006, the show aired live on

BBC Three BBC Three is a British free-to-air Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom, public broadcast television channel owned and operated by the BBC. It was first launched on 9 February 2003 with programmes for a 16 to 34-year-old target aud ...

, and highlights aired on

BBC One BBC One is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by the BBC. It is the corporation's oldest and flagship channel, and is known for broadcasting mainstream programming, which includes BBC News television b ...

. 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. 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 choreogr ...

, E-17,

Destiny's Child Destiny's Child was an American girl group whose final lineup comprised Beyoncé, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams (singer), Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Hou ...

Dionne Warwick Marie Dionne Warwick ( ; born Marie Dionne Warrick; December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress, and television host. During her career, Warwick has won many awards, including six Grammy Awards. She has been inducted into the Hollywood Wa ...

, Lisa Maffia,

Justin Timberlake Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Prince of Pop", ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' honored him as the b ...

Kanye West Ye ( ; born Kanye Omari West ; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, singer and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After ...

Tina Turner Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023) was a singer, songwriter, actress, and author. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", her vocal prowess, raspy voice, and electrifyin ...

, Rosie Gaines, Dizzee Rascal,

Jay-Z Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American Rapping, rapper, businessman, and record executive. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he was named Billboard and Vibe's 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time, the ...

, LL Cool J,

Amy Winehouse Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and businesswoman. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, she was known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix ...

Stefflon Don Stephanie Victoria Allen (born 14 December 1991), known professionally as Stefflon Don, is an English rapper. She rose to fame with her 2017 single "Hurtin' Me" (featuring French Montana), which peaked at number seven on the UK singles chart, ...

, Coolio, Usher,

John Legend John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), known professionally as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He began his musical career working behind the scenes for other artists, playing piano on Lauryn Hill's " Every ...

, Jason Derulo, and Jessie J. In 2000, Sade came out of retirement to perform at the Awards, her first performance in almost a decade.

History

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

1996

*Best Album: Goldie – '' Timeless'' *Best Single: Gabrielle – " Give Me a Little More Time" *Best Newcomer: Peace by Piece *Best Video:

Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur (; born Lesane Parish Crooks; June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor, regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all tim ...

featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman – "

California Love "California Love" is a song by American rapper 2Pac featuring fellow American rapper Dr. Dre. The song was released December 3, 1995, as 2Pac's comeback single after his release from prison in 1995 and was his first single as the newest artist ...

" *Best Hip-Hop Act: Blak Twang *Best R&B Act: Mark Morrison *Best Reggae Act: Peter Hunnigale *Best Gospel Act: New Colours *Best Jazz Act: Courtney Pine *Best Dance Act: Baby D *Best Jungle Act: Goldie *Best DJ: Trevor Nelson *Best International Act: Fugees *Best International Single: Fugees – " Killing Me Softly" *Outstanding Contribution to Black Music: Jazzie B *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 the Motown group Commodores; writing and recor ...

1997

The 1997 award ceremony was held at London's New Connaught Rooms on 10 November. The gala included performances by Mary J. Blige and Eternal. *Best Dance Act:

The Prodigy The Prodigy are an English electronic music band formed in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by producer, keyboardist, and songwriter Liam Howlett. The original line-up also featured Rapping, MC and vocalist Maxim (musician), Maxim, dancer and occasi ...

*Best R&B Act: Shola Ama *Best Hip Hop: Funky DL *Best International Hip Hop: Coolio *Best Reggae Act: Finley Quaye *Best Jungle Act: Roni Size and Reprazent *Best Single: Eternal *Best Video:

Will Smith Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor, rapper, and film producer. Known for his work in both Will Smith filmography, the screen and Will Smith discography, music industries, List of awards and nominations re ...

*Best International Act: Blackstreet *Best Album: Jamiroquai *Best Newcomer: Shola Ama *Best Unsigned Act: Fola Sade *Best International Reggae Act: Beenie Man *Best Producer: Sean Puffy Combs *Best Radio DJ: David Rodigan *Best Club DJ: Metalheadz *Best Jazz Act: Sunship *Best Gospel Act:

Beehive A beehive is an enclosed structure which houses honey bees, subgenus '' Apis.'' Honey bees live in the beehive, raising their young and producing honey as part of their seasonal cycle. Though the word ''beehive'' is used to describe the nest of ...

*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, singer, and songwriter. Rising to prominence with James Brown in the early 1970s before joining the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, Collins established himse ...

1998

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

Bill Bellamy William Bellamy (born April 7, 1965) is an American actor and stand-up comedy, stand-up comedian. Bellamy first gained national notoriety on HBO's Russell Simmons' ''Def Comedy Jam'', where he is credited for creating or coining the phrase "bo ...

. It was broadcast nationally by

. Performers and presenters included footballer Sol Campbell, girl band All Saints, DJ Trevor Nelson, boxers Lennox Lewis and Chris Eubank, Puff Daddy, Chaka Khan, 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 * Best Drum and Bass: 4 Hero * Best Hip Hop Act: Pheobe 1 * Best Unsigned Act: Allyson Brown * Best Newcomer: Lynden David Hall * Best R&B Act:

Beverley Knight Beverley Knight (born Beverley Anne Smith, 22 March 1973) is an English singer, songwriter, actress and radio personality. She released her first album, ''The B-Funk'', in 1995. Heavily influenced by American soul music icons such as Sam Cooke ...

* Best International Reggae: Beenie Man * Contribution to Music: Carl McIntosh * Best Video: All Saints * Best International Act: Puff Daddy and the Family * Best International Single: Pras feat ODB / Mýa * Best Single: Another Level * Best Album: Adam F * Outstanding Achievement:

Sean Combs Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Diddy, and formerly Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, record producer, and record executive. Born in Harlem and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Mount Ve ...

* Lifetime Achievement: B. B. King

1999

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

Wyclef Jean Nel Ust Wyclef Jean ( ; born October 17, 1969) is a Haitian rapper, singer, and record producer. Born in Haiti, Jean emigrated to the Northeastern United States, United States as a child. He gained fame as a founding member of the Fugees, a Ne ...

. International Hip-Hop Act Award went to

, Best Album was awarded to

, International Act to Lauryn Hill and Lifetime Achievement Award to

. Performers and presenters included Des'ree, Dru Hill, Method Man & Redman, Tim Westwood,

Lulu Lulu may refer to: Companies * LuLu, an early automobile manufacturer * Lulu.com, an online e-books and print self-publishing platform, distributor, and retailer * Lulu Hypermarket, a retail chain in Asia * Lululemon Athletica or simply Lulu, a C ...

Victoria Beckham Victoria Caroline, Lady Beckham (; born 17 April 1974) is an English fashion designer, singer, and television personality. She rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the pop group the Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Posh Spic ...

, Chris Eubank, Another Level, Ladysmith Black Mambazo,

, and girl band Eternal. * Best International R&B Act:

* Best Newcomer: Kele Le Roc * Best International Act: Lauryn Hill * Best Hip Hop Act: Roots Manuva * Best International Hip Hop Act:

* Best Dance Act: Shanks & Bigfoot * Best Video: TLC – " No Scrubs" * Best Album:

– ''Prodigal Sista'' * Best DJ: Trevor Nelson * Best Single: Kele Le Roc * Best Unsigned Act: Amoyé * Best International Single:

Eminem Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, he is credited with popula ...

– " My Name Is" * Best Reggae Act: Mr Vegas * Contribution to Music: Erskine Thompson * Best R&B Act:

* Lifetime Achievement Award:

2000

The MOBO Awards 2000 ceremony took place at

Alexandra Palace Alexandra Palace is an entertainment and sports venue in North London, situated between Wood Green and Muswell Hill in the London Borough of Haringey. A listed building, Grade II listed building, it is built on the site of Tottenham Wood and th ...

, hosted by Trevor Nelson and Lisa Left Eye Lopes and sponsored by Mastercard. There show opened with a performance of

Money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are: m ...

by Jamelia featuring Beenie Man.

Craig David Craig Ashley David (born 5 May 1981) is an English singer. He rose to fame in 1999, featuring on the single " Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger. David's debut studio album, '' Born to Do It'', was released in 2000, to great commercial success. In to ...

performed an acoustic medley of Fill Me In, 7 Days and Nice & Slow by Usher, Sade exclusively performed By Your Side, Gabrielle performed Rise, MJ Cole performed Crazy Love featuring Elizabeth Troy,

Donell Jones Donell Jones (born May 22, 1973) is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. He met record producer Eddie F in the mid-1990s and signed with his record label Untouchables Entertainment, beginning his car ...

performed U Know What's Up 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, Kanya King, 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 *Best Jazz Act:

Ronny Jordan Robert Laurence Albert Simpson, known professionally as Ronny Jordan (29 November 1962 – 13 January 2014) was a British guitarist and part of the acid jazz movement at the end of the twentieth century. Jordan described his music as "urban jazz ...

*Best World Music Act:

Carlos Santana Carlos Humberto Santana Barragán (; born July 20, 1947) is an American guitarist, best known as a founding member of the Rock music, rock band Santana (band), Santana. Born and raised in Mexico where he developed his musical background, he r ...

*Best UK Garage Act: DJ Luck & MC Neat *Best Producer: MJ Cole *Best UK Radio DJ: Tim Westwood *Best UK Club: Steve Sutherland *MOBO Unsigned Award: Cherise *Outstanding Contribution to Music: Aswad *Outstanding Achievement: L.A. Reid *Best UK Single: " Fill Me In" by Craig David *Best UK Album: '' Rise'' 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 Tiffany Cobb (born March 16, 1976), known professionally as Blu Cantrell, is an American contemporary R&B, R&B singer. Cantrell rose to fame in 2001, with the release of her debut single, "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)", which peaked at number two ...

and Lil' Kim, with performances from DMX, Lumidee, Wayne Wonder, George Benson,

Lemar Lemar Obika (born 4 April 1978), known mononymously as Lemar, is an English singer, songwriter and record producer. Initially rising to fame after finishing third on the Fame Academy (series 1), first series of British talent show ''Fame Acade ...

, Seal, Mis-Teeq and Redman, J'Nay John Adeleye, Big Brovaz, Black Eyed Peas and Kool and the Gang. Among the winners of the night were: 50 Cent,

, Big Brovaz and Lisa Maffia, 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 Battersea, London, which achieved wide success in the early 2000s. The group consisted of many members, the most notable being Asher D (Ashley Walters), Lisa Ma ...

won the award in the

UK garage UK garage, abbreviated as UKG, is a genre of electronic dance music which originated in England in the early to mid-1990s. The genre was most clearly inspired by garage house and jungle production methods, but also incorporates elements from ...

Act category award beating Dizzee Rascal and

The Streets The Streets is an English musical project led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner (musician), Mike Skinner. The project was founded in the early 90s, while Skinner was still a teenager; however, no music would formally eventuat ...

. Controversy surrounded the removal of

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 attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who identify or are perceived as being lesbian, Gay men, gay or bisexual. It has been defined as contempt, prejudice, aversion, hatred, or ant ...

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 Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), known mononymously as Akon (), is a Senegalese-United States, American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. An influ ...

at The Royal Albert Hall, with guest presenters Chris Eubank, Lisa Maffia, Josie Darby, Simon Webbe, Myleene Klass, Estelle, Tim Westwood, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Chuck D. Big winners on the night included Corrine Bailey-Rae,

, Black Eyed Peas,

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress. One of the List of music artists by net worth, wealthiest musicians in the world, List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna, her vario ...

Sean Paul Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques (born 9 January 1973) is a Jamaican dancehall musician. Paul's first album, ''Stage One'', was released in 2000. He gained international fame with his second album, ''Dutty Rock'', in 2002. Its single "Get Busy ...

and

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...

. *Best Album: ''Time to Grow'' by

*Best Hip-Hop Act: Sway (British musician), Sway, Dcypha Productions *Best Jazz Act: Rhian Benson *Best R&B Act:

*Best Reggae Act: Damien Marley, ''Welcome to Jamrock'' *Best Single: "Pow! (Forward)" by Lethal Bizzle featuring Fumin, D Double E, Napper, Jamakabi, Neeko, Flowdan, Ozzie B, Forcer, Demon and Hotshot *Best UK Club DJ: Steve Sutherland *Best UK Newcomer: Kano (British musician), Kano *Best UK Radio DJ: Tim Westwood *Best Video: "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams *Best World Music Act: Daddy Yankee *UK Act of the Year: Lemar *Best African Act: Youssou N'Dour *Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Marley *Outstanding Contribution: Public Enemy

2006

In 2006 the awards ceremony was hosted by Coolio 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 won Best Unsigned Act. British rapper Akala (rapper), Akala won Best Hip Hop Act, beating stiff competition from American acts such as

, 50 Cent, and The Game (rapper), The Game.

2007

The 2007 awards ceremony was broadcast live on

from the The O2 arena (London), O2 Arena in London and hosted by Shaggy (musician), Shaggy and Jamelia. The jazz category returned. Shaggy opened the evening with a medley. T-Pain performed on stage with Yung Joc,

and Kano (rapper), Kano collaborated on stage; Ne-Yo, Mutya Buena and Robin Thicke also performed.

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 (Leona Lewis album), Spirit'' *Best Song: Estelle, "American Boy" *Best Uk Male:: Dizzee Rascal *Best Uk Female: Estelle *Best Uk Newcomer: Chip (rapper), Chipmunk *Best Video: Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love" *Best Hip Hop Act: Lil Wayne *Best R&B/Soul Act: Chris Brown *Best Reggae Act: Mavado (singer), Mavado *Best Gospel Act: Jahaziel (rapper), Jahaziel *Best Jazz Act: YolanDa Brown *Best African Act: 9ice *Best International Act: Chris Brown *Best Club DJ: Tim Westwood *Best Radio DJ: Tim Westwood *Be Mobo: Ricky McCalla *Lifetime Achievement: Mary Wilson (singer), Mary Wilson

2009

The 2009 awards event took place on 30 September at the SEC Centre in

, 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". 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 * Best African Act: K'Naan * Best Video: Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth – Frisky * Best Reggae Act: Gyptian * Best Jazz Act: Empirical (jazz band), Empirical * Best Gospel Act: Guvna B * Best UK R&B/Soul Act: Plan B (musician), Plan B * Best International Act:

* Best UK Act: JLS * Best Song: N-Dubz ft Mr Hudson – Playing With Fire * Best Album: JLS * Lifetime Achievement: Billy Ocean

2011

The awards show returned to Glasgow's SEC Centre on 5 October 2011, hosted by Jason Derülo and Alesha Dixon. Jessie J won four awards, making her the biggest winner of the night. Boyz II Men received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Other winners included

, Tinie Tempah, Adele and Alborosie.

was given an award and a special tribute, following her death in July 2011. * Best Gospel: Triple O * Best Jazz: Kairos Quartet * Best Reggae: Alborosie * Best African Act: Wizkid (musician), Wizkid * Best Song: Jessie J * Best R&B/Soul: Adele * Best Album: Jessie J * Best Hip Hop/Grime: Tinie Tempah * Best Video: Tinchy Stryder ft. Dappy * Best Newcomer: Jessie J * Best International:

2012

The 17th Awards show took place on 3 November 2012 at the Liverpool Arena. Presented by Miquita Oliver and Adam Deacon – with backstage support from Rickie and Melvin – the night saw Trey Songz, Conor Maynard, Emeli Sandé, Misha B, JLS, Stooshe, Labrinth, Angel (British musician), Angel and Wiley (rapper), Wiley perform. Emeli Sandé won awards for Best Female, Best Album and Best R&B/Soul while Plan B (musician), Plan B took Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop/Grime. TLC were awarded Outstanding Contribution to Music, with

receiving the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. The full list of winners where: * Best Gospel: Rachel Kerr * Best Jazz: Zoe Rahman * Best Reggae:

* Best African Act: D'Banj * Best Song: Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah, "Earthquake (Labrinth song), 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 SSE Hydro in Glasgow. It was hosted by Trevor Nelson and Sarah-Jane Crawford. Performances included Tinie Tempah, Iggy Azalea, Naughty Boy, Rudimental and Jahméne Douglas.

Winners

* Best Male Act: Wiley (rapper), Wiley * Best Female Act: Laura Mvula * Best Song: Naughty Boy, "La La La (Naughty Boy song), La La La" * Best Album: Rudimental, ''Home (Rudimental album), Home'' * Best Newcomer: Krept and Konan, ft. "Dizzy" Daniel Moorehead * Best R&B/Soul: Laura Mvula * Best UK Hip Hop/Grime: Tinie Tempah * Best Video: Naughty Boy, "La La La (Naughty Boy song), La La La" * Best Gospel: Lurine Cato * Best Jazz: Sons of Kemet * 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 Wembley arena, The SSE Arena in London. It was hosted by Mel B 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 (singer), Sam Smith, ''In the Lonely Hour'' * Best Female Act: Jessie J * Best Gospel Act: Living Faith Connection Choir * Best Grime Act: Stormzy * Best Hip Hop Act: Krept and Konan * Best International Artist:

* Best Jazz Act: Zara McFarlane * Best Male Act: Sam Smith (singer), Sam Smith * Best Newcomer: Ella Eyre * Best R&B/Soul Act: Sam Smith (singer), Sam Smith * Best Reggae Act: Stylo G * Best Song: Sam Smith (singer), Sam Smith, "Stay with Me (Sam Smith song), Stay with Me" * Best Video: Skepta ft. JME (rapper), JME, "That's Not Me (Skepta song), That's Not Me"

2015

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

. 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: Stormzy *Best African Act: Fuse ODG *Best Newcomer: Section Boyz *Best Male Act: Stormzy *Best Song: Skepta, "Shutdown (Skepta song), Shutdown" *Best Female Act: Ella Eyre *Paving the Way Award: Lenny Henry *Best R&B/Soul Act: Shakka (singer), Shakka *Best Jazz Act: Binker and Moses *Best Reggae Act: Popcaan *Best Video: FKA Twigs – "Pendulum (FKA twigs song), Pendulum" *Best Album: Krept and Konan, ''The Long Way Home (Krept and Konan album), The Long Way Home'' *Best International Album: Drake (rapper), 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 SSE Hydro in

. 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 –

*Best Female Act – Lady Leshurr *Best Newcomer – WSTRN *Best Album – Kano (rapper), Kano: Made in the Manor *Best Hip Hop Act – Section Boyz *Best Song – Abra Cadabra ft. Krept and Konan, Krept & Konan – "Robbery (remix)" *Best Video – Nadia Rose – SKWOD *Best R&B/Soul – Shakka (singer), Shakka *Best Grime Act (In Association with BBC Radio 1Xtra) – Chip (rapper), Chip *Best International Act – Drake (musician), Drake *Best Jazz Act – Esperanza Spalding *Best Gospel Act – Guvna B *Best Reggae Act – Popcaan *Best African Act – Wizkid (musician), Wizkid *Paving The Way – Nicola Adams, Nicola Adams MBE and Ms. Dynamite

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 – Stormzy * Best Female Act –

* Best Album: Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer * Best Newcomer – Dave (rapper), Dave * Best Song: J Hus – "Did You See (J Hus song), Did You See" * Best Video: Mist – Hot Property * Best Hip-hop Act – Giggs (rapper), Giggs * Best Grime Act – Stormzy * Best R&B/soul Act –

* Best International Act – Wizkid (musician), Wizkid * Best African Act – Davido * Best Reggae Act – Damian Marley * Best Jazz Act – Moses Boyd * Best Gospel Act – Volney Morgan & New-Ye * Paving The Way – Idris Elba

2021

2022

2023

MOBO UnSung Awards

MOBO UnSung is a biennial talent competition for unsigned acts, showcasing the next generation of urban artists. The ten finalists (unusually increased to eleven in 2018 due to the high numbers of entrants), are narrowed down to a top three, which the winner is then picked from. Since its return in 2022, there is no overall competition winner; instead, the ten finalists each receive prizes and enter into a nine month-long artist development programme that includes studio time, live performance opportunities, mentoring, business and legal training, marketing and promotion, grants, and networking with key players in the music industry.

2023

* Finalists – Ace Clvrk, Bea Anderson, Deja, Josh Barry, Kaniva, NEOne The Wonderer, Young Athena, Gabriel Sanches, Melica and Shack Santima.

2022

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

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. * Winner – Graft (rapper), 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, J The Exodus, Mic Lowry, One 50, Tiana Major9 and YJ. * Top 3 – Tiana Major9, Mic Lowry, and YJ. * Winner – Mic Lowry.

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 Cultural appropriation, 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 (band), 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 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 BBC One original programming BBC Three original programming

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

2023

MOBO UnSung Awards

2023

2022

2018

2016

2014

2013

2012

Criticism

See also

References

External links