The UK's biggest celebration of Black music and culture is landing in Sheffield tonight.
On Wednesday 7 February 2024, the Utilita Arena will be packed out with some 12,000 excited fans tonight, with thousands more watching the live streamed version on YouTube here from 7pm.
Comedian, actor and comedian Babatúndé Aléshé and former Love Island contestant, panelist and TV personality, Indiyah Polack will be hosting the evening, presenting the awards, with special performances promised throughout the night from DJ Spoony.
The DJ promises a 'landmark performance' to mark the 30th anniversary of UK Garage with some 'very special guest appearances'.
Image: MOBO Awards
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “We are thrilled to announce Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack as the charismatic hosts for the 26th MOBO Awards. They share such energy and chemistry, as I saw for myself when we met, and it will be a dynamic combination for the vibrant and spectacular awards show. I know they will pull out all the stops on the night!
It has been hard not to let slip that DJ Spoony will lead a landmark performance celebrating 30 years of UK Garage, promising some special surprises. Byron Messia, dancehall’s golden boy will light up the stage, while Soul II Soul, our MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, will honour us with their timeless sound that has shaped British music. Some more great names in the pipeline……watch this space!
It will be a historic night where music, culture, and outstanding talent converge at the MOBO Awards – a celebration not to be missed!"
Image: The Sheff
The list of nominees are as follows...
MOBO Award nominees
Best Male Act
Central Cee
Dave
D-Block Europe
J Hus
Nines
Stormzy
Best Female Act
Flo
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Mahalia
Pinkpantheress
Raye
Album Of The Year
Ezra Collective – Where I’m Meant To Be
J Hus – Beautiful And Brutal Yard
Little Simz – No Thank You
Potter Payper – Real Back In Style
Raye – My 21st Century Blues
Stormzy – This Is What I Mean
Song Of The Year
Central Cee & Dave – ‘Sprinter’
J Hus Feat. Drake – ‘Who Told You’
Jorja Smith – ‘Little Things’
Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice – ‘Boys A Liar Pt.2’
Raye & 070 Shake – ‘Escapism’
Stormzy – ‘Hide & Seek’
Best Newcomer
Ama Lou
Antslive
Debbie
Jayo
Nippa
No Guidnce
Rimzee
Strandz
Tamera
Tunde
Video Of The Year
Antslive – ‘Number One Candidate’ (Directed By Tom Emmerson)
Enny – ‘No More Naija Men’ (Directed By Otis Dominique)
Jords – ‘Dirt In The Diamond Ep1: Mobay Feat. Tay Iwar / Stay Close Feat. Kranium’ (Directed By Renee Maria Osubu)
Little Simz – ‘Gorilla’ (Directed By Dave Meyers)
Stormzy – ‘Mel Made Me Do It' (Directed By Klvdr)
Tion Wayne – ‘Healing’ (Directed By Wowa)
Best R&B/Soul Act
Bellah
Jaz Karis
Mahalia
Ragz Originale
Sampha
Sault
Best Hip Hop Act
Avelino
Clavish
Digga D
Enny
Fredo
Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Potter Payper
Best Grime Act
Bugzy Malone
Duppy
Flowdan
Manga Saint Hilare
Novelist
P Money
Best Drill Act
Central Cee
Headie One
K-Trap
Kwengface
M24
Russ Millions
Teezandos
Unknown T
Best International Act
Doja Cat
Drake & 21 Savage
Travis Scott
Ice Spice
Latto
Lil Uzi Vert
Nicki Minaj
Sexyy Red
Sza
Victoria Monet
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film
Adjani Salmon As Kwabena – Dreaming Whilst Black
Damson Idris As Franklin Saint – Snowfall
Déja J. Bowens As Vita – Champion
Idris Elba As Sam – Hijack
India Amarteifio As Queen Charlotte – Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
John Boyega As Fontaine – They Cloned Tyrone
Lashana Lynch As Izogie – The Woman King
Letitia Wright As Shuri – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Malcolm Kamulete As Bosco – Champion
Feature Image - MOBO Awards
Audio
UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series
The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.
The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.
Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.
Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Image: Supplied
In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.
Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.
It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.
Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Sophie Smith -
7th February 2024 
