On Thursday, 26th March, The Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards made a noble first. Debuting in the rich city of Manchester, United Kingdom (UK), to celebrate its monumental 30th anniversary.
Founded in 1996, over the years, The Mobo Awards has come to be a staple awards ceremony. Celebrating Black talent in the music industry across genres such as jazz, hip-hop, R&B and more.
What went down at the Mobo Awards
Kickstarting the show, with a sensational performance was R&B trio, Flo. A girl group that has been praised for their chart-topping singles and jaw-dropping looks. There’s no denying the concept of pop bands seems like something of the past, but Flo are on a mission to change that.
Opening with “Leak It,” the single that lasted a week in the Official Charts Top 40, Flo introduced the Mobos with a breath of fresh talent. Immediately setting the tone with what today’s generation is doing to keep innovation rolling.
The ceremony was presented by Eddie Kadi, an acclaimed Congolese comedian and host. Alongside, none other than the United States Hip Hop icon, Eve. “Manchester, can I promise you something? This will be a night to remember,” says Kadi
It’s hard to imagine how anyone could follow up from Flo’s performance. Though Slick Rick later took to the stage with Estelle. The latter, a visionary known for her ’08 anthem “American Boy,” with Kanye West. With 40 years of experience, Rick has made a name for himself as one of the biggest storytellers in Hip Hop history.
Famed for colossal hits, “Children’s Story,” “Behind Bars,” and “Documents,” to name a few. Later in the night, he was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’ “Peace and love, kids,” says Rick, after giving a heartfelt acceptance speech.
Moments that shone a light on the history of the Mobos
In 1997, British R&B girl group Eternal won their first Mobo Award. On Thursday night, vocalists Vernie and Easther Bennette returned for a short interview reflecting on that success and what it means now. On the topic of nostalgia, the presenters proceeded to pay tribute to the older generation who have paved the way for rock and roll.
Paying homage to notable figures, Jimi Hendrix, Sistah Rosetta Tharpe and others. Genre-bending punk duo Nova Twins were later announced as the ‘Best Alternative Music Act.’ A significant moment for them, as they addressed an official statement in 2020 for the introduction of this category.
Where it all began…
You can’t celebrate 30 years of an incredible organisation without commending its founders. Kanya King, the genius behind it all, officially launched the Mobo Awards in 1996. On Thursday night, King returned for a speech about his legacy. She says:
“Thirty years ago, the MOBO Organisation was born out of a desire to create space where there was none – to recognise, celebrate and elevate Black music and culture. Tonight in Manchester, we’ve seen just how far that vision has come. From global icons to the next generation of trailblazers, this stage continues to be a home for excellence, creativity and truth.
“This isn’t just a celebration of the past – it’s a statement about the future. MOBO remains an important platform, and we are more committed than ever to opening doors, breaking barriers and championing the voices that shape culture around the world.”
A night celebrating black excellence, the Mobo Awards is about honouring the past and celebrating the future. Speaking of the latter, British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean took to the stage to perform her emotionally devastating “A Couple Minutes.” Instantly capturing the attention of thousands in the stadium, with her debut Mobo performance and first time singing this song to a live audience.
The artist later went on to win a hat-trick of the following awards: ‘Best Female Act in Association with Got2b,’ ‘Album of the Year in Association with Amazon Music’ and ‘Song of the Year in Association with 1664 Bière.’
“This is a bit silly. Thank you so much,” says the singer after receiving her third and final award. “This album was born out of me wanting to write something born out of love,” she adds.
Celebrating Black British talent
The ceremony also dedicated a section to celebrate one of the UK’s most prized music scenes. Grime: a movement crafted by Black British people. Celebrating 25 years of the scene “kicking down doors,” and “Defying laws” in the words of host Kadi. The Mobos were one of the first awards to promote grime on national TV. And to celebrate, the event followed up with major performances from Scorcher, Chip, D Double E and Wiley.
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How the Mobos celebrate the next generation
“Motivate, elevate and celebrate” has been the slogan for the Mobo Awards for 30 years now, and it continues to shine on as it celebrates the talent of the youth who continue to challenge and innovate the music industry. This year’s ceremony was a celebration of exceptional talent, old and new. Myles Smith, a wordsmith who has gone from a small emerging artist to a commercial success overnight, performed his hit “Stargazing”. Smith’s performance and career thus far are an inspiration for what young people could strive to be.
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Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
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