Inside the MOBOs launch – with Nadia Rose, Shakka, Lisa Maffia and more!

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