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.

The MOBO Awards
Current: MOBO Awards 2023
Awarded forExcellence in music of black origin
LocationVarious (in 2024, Sheffield)
CountryUnited Kingdom
Presented byMOBO Organisation
First awarded1996; 28 years ago (1996)
Websitewww.mobo.com
Television/radio coverage
Network

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.[1] The inaugural awards were broadcast by Carlton Television from London's Connaught Rooms. Across its 22-year history, the MOBOs have been broadcast on Channel 4, BBC Television, ITV2 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 and to Sheffield in 2024.

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

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The ceremony was first broadcast regionally on Carlton Television from 1996 to 1997, before airing nationwide on Channel 4 from 1998 until 2003. From 2004 to 2013, 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 ITV2 with same-night highlights on ITV.[2]

In 2017, the ceremony moved to Channel 5 and BET.[3]

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."[4][5]

Table summary

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No. Date First broadcast Best Album Best Single Honorary awards Broadcaster Host(s)[6] Venue
1 18 November 1996[7] 21 November 1996 TimelessGoldie "Give Me a Little More Time" – Gabrielle Lionel Richie
Jazzy B
Carlton Television (ITV) Sonya Saul New Connaught Rooms, London
2 10 November 1997 13 November 1997[8] Travelling Without MovingJamiroquai "I Wanna Be the Only One" – Eternal ft. BeBe Winans Bootsy Collins
Mick Hucknall
Lisa I'Anson
3 14 October 1998 15 October 1998 ColoursAdam F "Freak Me" – Another Level B. B. King
Sean Combs
Channel 4 Mel B and Bill Bellamy Royal Albert Hall
4 6 October 1999 7 October 1999 Prodigal SistaBeverley Knight "My Love" – Kele Le Roc Tina Turner
Erskine Thompson
Mel B and Wyclef Jean
5 4 October 2000 5 October 2000 RiseGabrielle "Fill Me In" – Craig David LA Reid
Aswad
Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes and Trevor Nelson Alexandra Palace
6 4 October 2001 6 October 2001 8701Usher "Independent Women Part 1" – Destiny's Child Luther Vandross
R Kelly
Trevor Nelson and Kelis London Arena
7 1 October 2002 3 October 2002 Songs in A MinorAlicia Keys "It Takes More" – Ms Dynamite Chaka Khan
Jimmy Cliff
Street Politiks
Alesha Dixon and LL Cool J
8 25 September 2003 4 October 2003 Get Rich Or Die Tryin'50 Cent "In Da Club" – 50 Cent George Benson
Kool & The Gang
Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim and Blu Cantrell Royal Albert Hall
9 30 September 2004 6 October 2004 The College DropoutKanye West "Thank You" – Jamelia Anita Baker
Janet Jackson
BBC One Mos Def
10 22 September 2005 23 September 2005 Time To GrowLemar "Pow! (Forward)" – Lethal B Public Enemy
Bob Marley and the Wailers
Gina Yashere and Akon
11 20 September 2006 22 September 2006 "Déjà Vu" – Beyoncé Sam Moore
Anti-Slavery International
BBC One (highlights)
BBC Three (live coverage)
Gina Yashere and Coolio
12 19 September 2007 "Because of You" – NeYo Jamelia and Shaggy The O2 Arena
13 15 October 2008 SpiritLeona Lewis "American Boy" – Estelle Mary Wilson Mel B and Rev. Run Wembley Arena
14 30 September 2009 Uncle BN-Dubz "Beat Again" – JLS Michael Jackson Reggie Yates and Keri Hilson SEC Centre
15 20 October 2010 JLS – JLS "Playing With Fire" – N-Dubz ft. Mr Hudson Billy Ocean Alesha Dixon and Reggie Yates Echo Arena Liverpool
16 5 October 2011 Who You AreJessie J "Do It Like A Dude" – Jessie J Boyz II Men Alesha Dixon and Jason Derulo SEC Centre
17 3 November 2012 Our Version of EventsEmeli Sandé "Earthquake" – Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah Dionne Warwick
TLC
Miquita Oliver and Adam Deacon Echo Arena Liverpool
18 19 October 2013 HomeRudimental "La La La" – Naughty Boy Stephen Lawrence Trust Trevor Nelson and Sarah-Jane Crawford SSE Hydro
19 22 October 2014 In the Lonely HourSam Smith "Stay with Me" – Sam Smith Idris Elba (Inspiration) ITV2 (live coverage)
ITV (deferred)
Mel B and Sarah-Jane Crawford Wembley Arena
20 4 November 2015 The Long Way HomeKrept and Konan "Shutdown" – Skepta Lenny Henry
CeeLo Green
Sarah-Jane Crawford First Direct Arena
21 4 November 2016 Made in the ManorKano "Robbery (remix)" – Abra Cadabra ft. Krept & Konan Nicola Adams
Ms. Dynamite
Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom[9] SSE Hydro
22 29 November 2017 Gang Signs & PrayerStormzy "Did You See" – J Hus Idris Elba (Paving The Way) Channel 5 (deferred)
BET (highlights)
Maya Jama and Marvin Humes[10] First Direct Arena[11]
23 9 December 2020 Crabs in a BucketNines "Don't Rush" – Young T & Bugsey feat. Headie One Steve McQueen YouTube (live coverage)
BBC One (highlights)
Maya Jama and Chunkz Virtual[12]
24 5 December 2021 8 December 2021 We're All Alone in This TogetherDave "Body" – Russ Millions and Tion Wayne Frank Bruno (Inspiration) Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Munya Chawawa and Eddie Kadi CBS Arena, Coventry
25 30 November 2022 7 December 2022 Alpha PlaceKnucks and Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertLittle Simz "Own Brand (Baddie)" – Dreya Mac, Felixthe1st and Finch Fetti Jamal Edwards (Paving the Way) Chunkz and Yung Filly Wembley Arena
26 7 February 2024 Real Back in StylePotter Payper SprinterCentral Cee and Dave Jessica Ennis-Hill (Paving the Way) Indiyah Polack and Babatunde Aléshé Sheffield Arena

Performers

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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, E-17, Destiny's Child, Dionne Warwick, Lisa Maffia, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Tina Turner, Rosie Gaines, Dizzee Rascal, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Amy Winehouse, Stefflon Don, Coolio, Usher, John Legend, Jason Derulo, and Jessie J.[citation needed]

In 2000, Sade came out of retirement to perform at the Awards, her first performance in almost a decade.[citation needed]

History

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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.[citation needed]

1996

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1997

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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.

1998

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The Malibu MOBO Awards show was held at The Royal Albert Hall and hosted by Mel B and Bill Bellamy. It was broadcast nationally by Channel 4. 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.

1999

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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. International Hip-Hop Act Award went to Jay-Z, 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, Lionel Richie, Lulu, Victoria Beckham, Chris Eubank, Another Level, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Destiny's Child, and girl band Eternal.

2000

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The MOBO Awards 2000 ceremony took place at Alexandra Palace, hosted by Trevor Nelson and Lisa Left Eye Lopes and sponsored by Mastercard. There show opened with a performance of Money by Jamelia featuring Beenie Man. Craig David 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 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.

2001

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2002

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2003

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In 2003, the MOBO awards show moved to The Royal Albert Hall and was hosted by Blu Cantrell and Lil' Kim, with performances from DMX, Lumidee, Wayne Wonder, George Benson, Lemar, 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, Justin Timberlake, Big Brovaz and Lisa Maffia, who was the only UK female artist to win an award.

2004

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The ninth awards ceremony took place on 30 September 2004 at The Royal Albert Hall and was broadcast by BBC Television. Janet Jackson received the icon award. So Solid Crew 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 and incitement to murder.[13]

2005

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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, 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, Lemar, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Sean Paul and Beyoncé.

2006

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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 won Best Hip Hop Act, beating stiff competition from American acts such as Kanye West, 50 Cent, and The Game.

2007

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The 2007 awards ceremony was broadcast live on BBC Three from the O2 Arena in London and hosted by Shaggy 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 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

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[14]

2009

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

2010

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The awards ceremony took place on 20 October 2010 in Liverpool.[15]

2011

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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 Rihanna, Tinie Tempah, Adele and Alborosie. Amy Winehouse was given an award and a special tribute, following her death in July 2011.

2012

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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 and Wiley perform.

Emeli Sandé won awards for Best Female, Best Album and Best R&B/Soul while Plan B took Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop/Grime. TLC were awarded Outstanding Contribution to Music, with Dionne Warwick receiving the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. The full list of winners where:

2013

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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.[citation needed]

Winners

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2014

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The 19th Awards show took place on 22 October 2014 and was held at The SSE Arena in London. It was hosted by Mel B and Sarah-Jane Crawford. It was broadcast live on ITV2 for the first time.

Performances

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  • 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

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2015

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The 20th Awards show took place on 4 November 2015 and was held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.[16] The show was broadcast live on ITV2 and hosted by Sarah-Jane Crawford.

Performances

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  • 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

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2016

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The 21st Awards show took place on 4 November 2016 and was held at the SSE 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

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  • 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

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2017

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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.[17]

2021

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2022

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2023

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MOBO UnSung Awards

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MOBO UnSung is a biennial talent competition for unsigned acts, showcasing the next generation of urban artists.[18] 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.[19]

2022

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  • Finalists – A30, Adreyn Cash, Crae Wolf, Genesis Elijah, JClarke, Jordan Adetunji, Mace The Great, Natalie Lindi, Sarah Ikumu, and Zitah.[20][21][22]
  • Top 3 – TBC.

2018

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  • Finalists – Estée Blu, Fred Fredas, Fonzie, Graft, Harris Hameed, Ike Chuks, Jordz The Jay, Kris Evans, Marika, Sakyi 4, and Suelily.[23]

2016

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  • Finalists – Alika, Mullally, Mega Keggwa, Reekz MB, Juls, Tion Wayne, Liz Lubega, WildBoyAce, Jay Alexzander, and U.G.[26][27]
  • Top 3 – Alika, Mega Keggwa, and Mullally.[28]

2014

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  • Finalists – Basheba, Blizzard, Eyez, Geovarn, Hayley May, J The Exodus, Mic Lowry, One 50, Tiana Major9 and YJ.[30][31][32]

2013

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  • Winner – In'Sight.[34]

2012

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Criticism

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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.[37][38] In 2003, a boycott effort emerged after the American pop musicians Justin Timberlake 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".[37] 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.[37]

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."[39]

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."[38]

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".[40] 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."[41]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "1996: The Beginning – with Tony Blair, Lionel Richie, The Fugees,,, – MOBO Awards". mobo.com. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  2. ^ Sehmar, Paras (4 September 2014). "MOBO Awards to return to London for 2014 ceremony". NME. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  3. ^ "CHANNEL 5 CONFIRMED AS OFFICIAL BROADCASTER OF THE 2017 MOBO AWARDS". mobo.com. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  4. ^ Savage, Mark (25 September 2018). "Mobo awards take 'gap year' to plan future". BBC News. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  5. ^ "MOBO Awards coming back for 2020". BBC News. 12 November 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  6. ^ Bekoe, Wendi (13 October 2013). "MOBO ACKNOWLEDGES: 17 YEARS OF AWARD SHOW HOSTS". MOBO. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  7. ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc (7 December 1996). "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 26 September 2017 – via Google Books. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ Nielsen Business Media, Inc (15 November 1997). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 12. Retrieved 26 September 2017 – via Internet Archive. mobo awards carlton television 1997 broadcast. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ Parker, Rebecca (26 October 2016). "Breakfast radio royalty Rickie and Melvin unveiled as hosts for 2016 MOBO Awards in Glasgow". glasgowlive.co.uk. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  10. ^ Gamer, George (23 November 2017). "MOBO Awards 2017 reveal hosts and live performers". musicweek.com. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  11. ^ "MOBO Awards to return to First Direct Arena in Leeds". BBC News. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  12. ^ "MOBO Awards returns on 9 December". MOBO. 23 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Growing up Gay in Jamaica". BBC News. 15 September 2004. Retrieved 7 June 2010.
  14. ^ "MOBO Awards 2008 | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  15. ^ "MOBO Lands in Liverpool!". MOBO. 19 October 2010. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  16. ^ "MOBO Awards 2015 will take place in Leeds!". MOBO. 31 August 2015. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  17. ^ "Here's Everything That Happened At The MOBO Awards 2017". Capital XTRA. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  18. ^ "UnSung | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  19. ^ "MOBO UnSung 2021 | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  20. ^ "MOBO UnSung: Class of 2022 | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  21. ^ "MARSHALL ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF MOBO UNSUNG | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 20 October 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  22. ^ "MOBO UnSung 2021 – Now Open For Entries". PRS for Music Foundation. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  23. ^ "MOBO UnSung 2018: Get To Know Our Finalists! | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 11 October 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  24. ^ a b "Graft wins MOBO UnSung 2018! | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  25. ^ "Graft crowned the winner of MOBO UnSung 2018". PRS for Music Foundation. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  26. ^ "MOBO UnSung 2016: Get To Know Our Top 10 Finalists! | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  27. ^ "MOBO UnSung Tour 2017 announced". PRS for Music Foundation. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  28. ^ a b "ALIKA WINS MOBO UNSUNG 2016 | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  29. ^ "Alika named the winner of MOBO UnSung 2016". PRS for Music Foundation. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  30. ^ "2014 MOBO UnSung: Get To Know Our 10 Finalists! | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 16 June 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  31. ^ a b c d "MOBO UnSung Tour Announced! Featuring UnSung 2014 winners MiC LOWRY as the headline Act! | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  32. ^ "The 2015 MOBO UnSung Tour | MOBO Organisation". mobo.com. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  33. ^ "MOBO UnSung Competition 2014 winner". PRS for Music Foundation. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  34. ^ "They've got that MOBO workin' – The Best You Magazine". The Best You Magazine. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  35. ^ Guy, Peter (11 July 2012). "Liverpool soul star Esco Williams wins MOBO Unsung Award". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  36. ^ "MOBO UnSung 2012: Artists Catch Up – Esco Williams, Jacob Banks & more | MOBO Awards". 22 February 2013. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  37. ^ a b c Jury, Louise (26 September 2003). "Boycott call as white acts win music prizes". The Independent. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  38. ^ a b Bakare, Lanre (4 November 2012). "The Mobos' real problem is not being too white: it's being too commercial". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  39. ^ "Are the Mobos good for black music?". BBC News. 20 September 2006.
  40. ^ @NovaTwinsMusic (30 November 2020). "Our open letter to the@moboawards:" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  41. ^ @MOBO (30 November 2020). "Replying to@MOBOAwards" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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