Following its five-year hiatus, the Music of Black Origin Award (MOBO), is set to make a big comeback on December 9th. Organized to celebrate and award music of Black origin, it has grown to become the hallmark of musical success for Black British musicians.
In the Nomination category for ‘Best International Act’, Burna boy and Rema were nominated alongside Drake, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Roddy Roddy Ricch. In 2017, Wizkid was the first African artist to win an award in this category. Twelve other nominees including Rema, Wizkid, Davido, Burna boy, Master KG, NSG, Shatta Wale, and Stoneboy were shortlisted in the ‘Best African Act’ category of this year’s MOBO Awards. Also in 2017, Davido won an award in this category against Sarkodie, Tekno, Mr. Eazi, Wizkid, artists Savage. Other Nigerian artists who received an award in the past include Dbanj, Nneka, 9ice, and 2baba who won the first edition in 2007.
Rapper, Nines, picked up five nominations including Best Male Act, Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Hip Hop Act, and Bes,t Album (2017-2019). Lianne La Havas, Mahalia, and Tiana Major picked up three nominations each while Skepta, Stormzy, Dutchavelli, Headie One, AJ Tracey, Darkoo, Tion Wayne, Aitch, Shaybo, NSG, Kojey Radical, and Dave also got nominated in various categories.
This year’s MOBO Awards will be hosted by ace broadcaster, Maya Jama, alongside YouTuber, comedian, and musician, Chunkz. Artistes set to perform at the event include Headie One, Ms. Banks, Tiwa Savage, and Kojey Radical among others.
The award ceremony will take place virtually and will be aired on YouTube via MOBO’s official YouTube account, BBC One, and BBC iPlayer, with supporting content in BBC Sounds.