Here at Pride, you can always count on us to be at the front of the line when it comes to celebrating the achievements of black people – so we’re especially pumped whenever it’s time for the MOBO Awards!
Each year, the MOBOs (Music of Black Origin Awards) highlights the creations in music genres that were established by black artists, and often serves as the first major award for newer artists, before their stars go on a massive rise.
Tuesday (17th October) saw the first MOBO event of the 2017 take place: the nominations launch, at which Capital 1XTRA presenter Yinka Bokinni announced the names of the lucky few in the running for awards this year.
Stormzy leads the way this year with five nominations, including Best Male and Best Album for Gang Signs and Prayer – but fellow grime star J Hus is hot on his heels with four noms. (Check out the full list at the end of the article!)
Pride caught up with a few of the artists and celebs in attendance to find out their opinions on the nominations, the music industry and the MOBOs in general – and it definitely looks like they’re just as excited as we are.
Shakka
‘The most exciting thing about being here at the MOBOs is finally meeting all of people I’ve enjoyed for so long, and congratulating them for how well they’ve done. I liked seeing Nadia Rose jump on stage and kill it; I liked walking up to Little Simz and telling her her cypher on BET was heavy. It’s nice to talk and jam like humans.’
Yinka Bokinni
‘It was really fun hosting today – there were a lot more people than I was expecting, but it was great. I think the nominations reflect what’s been going on in music this past year – obviously, there are a few people that I wish were nominated, but I wouldn’t drop anyone.
‘I love the MOBOs because without it, there’d be no platform for black music at all. Until the day that Stormzy, Skepta and other “urban” artists get nominated for BRITs and it’s normal, we need our own platform to showcase all the black British talent out here.’
Bossman Birdie
‘Coming from my background, Tottenham, it means so much to be nominated for Best Video (Walk the Walk). I know so many people who are trying to get to this level and it’s difficult. I’ve been watching the MOBOs since I was young, from when Jay-Z and them guys were performing. My mum’s gonna be so happy when I tell her!’
Nadia Rose
‘A lot of people describe me as a feminist because of my confidence – but that’s just what I like. My mum is very resilient, strong, and she gets things done. That’s something that’s always been embedded in me, and that’s what I put into my music. I wanna tun up, I’m strong, I’m ready for the day!’
Lisa Maffia
‘I never miss the MOBOs – I’m watching every year! If I’m at home, or taking part I never miss it. I absolutely love MOBOs! It represents our country well, and I think this year we have really made sure we’ve made our stamp as UK artists. I don’t think I’ve seen it so good here since So Solid in 2003!’
Munroe Bergdorf
‘It’s so important to recognise where music comes from. Every single race has brought something new to the table, but I think it’s very good to celebrate where we come from as black people.
‘I’m rooting for Ray BLK this year; her ‘Chill Out’ video meant a lot to me, including trans people and gay people in Jamaica, and talking about how they’re marginalised. And Stefflon Don is just amazing – but there’s so many! Wizkid, Nadia Rose… black music in Britain at the moment is just unparalleled.’
Here are all the nominations in full:
BEST MALE
Bugzy Malone
Chip
Dave
Giggs
J Hus
Maleek Berry
Mostack
Sampha
Skepta
Stormzy
BEST FEMALE
Emeli Sandé
Jessie Ware
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Little Simz
Mabel
Nadia Rose
NAO
Ray BLK
Stefflon Don
BEST ALBUM
J Hus – Common Sense
Nines – One Foot Out
Sampha – Process
Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
Wretch 32 – Growing Over Life
BEST NEWCOMER
Dave
Jorja Smith
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Loyle Carner
Mabel
Mist
Not3s
Stefflon Don
Yxng Bane
BEST SONG
J Hus “Did You See”
(Produced by JAE5)
Kojo Funds Feat. Abra Cadabra “Dun Talkin’”
(Produced by GA)
Not3s “Addison Lee”
(Produced by Malv On The Track)
Stormzy “Big For Your Boots”
(Produced by Sir Spyro & Fraser T Smith)
Yungen Feat. Yxng Bane “Bestie)
(Produced by ADP)
BEST VIDEO
Bossman Birdie “Walk The Walk”
(Directed by Luke Davies)
J Hus “Spirit”
(Directed by Hugo Jenkins)
Loyle Carner “The Isle Of Arran”
(Directed by Georgia Hudson)
Mist “Hot Property”
(Directed by Oliver Jennings)
Stormzy “Big For Your Boots”
(Directed by Daps)
BEST HIP HOP ACT
Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Stefflon Don
Wretch 32
BEST GRIME ACT
AJ Tracey
Chip
P Money
Skepta
Stormzy
Wiley
BEST R&B/SOUL ACT
Supported by Mi-Soul
Craig David
Jorja Smith
NAO
Ray BLK
Sampha
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay Z
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Solange Knowles
SZA
Travis Scott
Wizkid
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Davido
Eugy
Juls
Maleek Berry
Mr Eazi
Sarkodie
Tekno
Tiwa Savage
Wande Coal
Wizkid
BEST REGGAE ACT
Aidonia
Alkaline
Chronixx
Damian Marley
Popcaan
BEST JAZZ ACT
Supported by Jazz FM
Cleveland Watkiss
Daymé Arocena
Moses Boyd
Mr Jukes
Terrace Martin
BEST GOSPEL ACT
Supported by Premier Gospel
Lurine Cato
Mali Music
S.O.
Triple O
Volney Morgan & New-Ye