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’.
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!”
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