In an electric evening filled with culture and creativity, the MOBO Awards returned for their 25th anniversary to a warm reception at Wembley’s OVO Arena on 30 November 2022. Hosted by comedic double act Chunkz and Yung Filly, the awards were a vibrant insight into the emergent artists soon to dominate the charts, whilst also celebrating artists who continue to enrich music across varied genres.
Knucks took home the Album Of The Year award with ALPHA PLACE alongside Little Simz with Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, in the category’s first-ever tie for the award. Central Cee’s ‘Doja’ was awarded Video Of The Year, whilst Song Of The Year went to Dreya Mac, FelixThe1st and FinchFetti with ‘Own Brand (Baddie)’.
Nile Rodgers has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement award, recognising the legacy that his artistry continues to grow across decades. Craig David was similarly celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution Award, where he then delivered a performance of his greatest hits to guests. The late Jamal Edwards was honoured with the Paving The Way Award.
Burna Boy bagged both the Best International Act Award and Best African Music Act Award, taking to Twitter to share his thanks with his fans.
Central Cee also took home the Best Male Act Award, whilst PinkPantheress achieved the Best Female Act Award. Bob Vylan took home the Best Alternative Music Act, in the new category established to celebrate more genres within the milestone anniversary of the awards.
Reflecting on the milestone achievement at the 25th-anniversary awards, MOBO founder and chief executive Kanya King spoke to Sky News on the importance of the event in supporting and honouring black artists in the UK and beyond.
She said: “People said we shouldn’t use the word ‘black’ but for me it was something to be proud of and be celebrated. I wanted to see more voices, more representation out there because there were no stories being told.”
The importance of King’s influence in reshaping British music to become a diverse and inclusive environment across the last 25 years cannot be understated. Soul II Soul founder Jazzie B, who won the Outstanding Contribution To Black Music Award at the first-ever award ceremony, has emphasised how this legacy can be recognised in all facets of the music industry.
He said: “What was interesting at the time was there was no black people behind the scenes unless they were receptionists or security. From that point of view, it was difficult. What Kanya did was she raised our community… we honoured our own but I think Kanya more felt this was something that needed to be a little more exposed, a bit more mainstream. That was at the beginning of a lot of change.”
The evening provided a variety of performances, including from rising stars FLO and lyrical poet Kojey Radical, with star guest appearances by Louis Theroux, Anthony Joshua and Leomie Anderson. Performances, speeches, and interviews are live on the official MOBO awards YouTube channel and can be accessed here.
Words by Alanya Smith
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