The MOBO Awards made a remarkable debut in Manchester on March 26, celebrating their 30th anniversary in grand style. With a week of vibrant MOBO fringe events and pop-ups leading up to the ceremony, Co-op Live hosted Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture. The choice of Manchester as the venue felt almost destined; a city renowned for its rich musical heritage and talent, it was time for the MOBOs to embrace this northern powerhouse.
The energy in the room was palpable, driven by the local pride that Manchester embodies. Hosts Eve and Eddie Kadi kept the spirit of ‘0161’ alive, frequently engaging the crowd in hearty shouts of local fervor. An especially memorable moment came from Aitch, who delivered a hometown-heavy set featuring hits like ‘1989’ and ‘Baby.’ The audience was electric, echoing the sentiment of the Gallaghers when they say the crowd was “mad fer it.” Manchester’s commitment to uplifting its community and talent was on full display, reinforcing the city’s place on the cultural map.
The night was a testament to the immense talent that the MOBO Awards aim to celebrate, featuring live performances from artists like FLO, Tiwa Savage, Myles Smith, and Shenseea. High-profile wins for Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Vybz Kartel underscored the global reach of the MOBOs and the growing influence of Black music worldwide.
However, one artist shone particularly brightly throughout the evening. Following an impressive sweep at the BRIT Awards just a month prior, London’s Olivia Dean returned to Co-op Live to add three more MOBO Awards to her collection. She secured Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for her standout track ‘Man I Need.’ Dressed in a stunning black ballgown, Olivia delivered a captivating performance of ‘A Couple Minutes,’ pulling the audience into an intimate moment where she emphasized, “This isn’t just about celebrating Black creativity, it’s about inspiring the next generation.” Her magnetic presence is solidifying her status as a national treasure.
Beyond the headline acts, the ceremony highlighted numerous significant moments, encapsulating the stories and contributions woven into Black music history. One such highlight was the ‘MOBO Salutes: Grime 25’ medley, curated by DJ Target. This segment brought together iconic figures from the grime scene, including Chip, D Double E, Nolay, Scorcher, and Wiley. Their performances served as a poignant reminder of MOBO’s commitment to spotlighting genres that are often overlooked, making grime’s powerful legacy resonate throughout the night and emphasizing its enduring impact on UK Black music.
Special Honours: Slick Rick, Pharrell, and Nile Rodgers in Attendance
The night also saw the presentation of significant honors, shining a light on two music legends. Pharrell Williams, a global superstar known for his trendsetting style, received the MOBO Global Songwriter Award. Presented by Nile Rodgers, the moment encapsulated a deep appreciation for their contributions to music culture. Pharrell’s acknowledgment of MOBO founder Kanya King further illuminated the award’s significance in nurturing musical talent and innovation.
Hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, captivating the audience with a medley of his classic hits, including ‘Children’s Story.’ Joined by Estelle for a lively rendition of ‘American Boy,’ he brought the crowd to their feet, showcasing how his music continues to resonate across generations.
Breakout Stars and Big Hitters: Jim Legxacy, Raye, and Central Cee
Emerging artist Jim Legxacy, hailing from Lewisham, took home the accolade for Best Male Act, marking a significant milestone in his promising career with XL Recordings. His latest album, Black British Music, celebrated the essence of Black British identity, blending rap and indie influences, thus connecting with diverse audiences.
The night was a tapestry of British musical talent, with notable wins for RAYE, who secured Video of the Year for ‘Where Is My Husband!’. Central Cee also added to his growing collection of accolades, taking home Best Hip-Hop Act. Their wins reflect the dynamic nature and evolution of the UK music scene.
Jazz music, too, found its place in the spotlight, with performance slots for groups like Kokoroko and Nubya Garcia. Ezra Collective was awarded Best Jazz Act, with bandleader Femi Koleoso’s brief yet impactful speech declaring, “long live jazz music forever,” encapsulating the genre’s vital role in the narrative of Black music.
Film and TV Gets Its Moment: Stephen Graham
The MOBO Awards didn’t limit themselves to music; they also recognized remarkable contributions in film and television. Stephen Graham was honored with Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for his standout work in Netflix’s Adolescence. His heartfelt tribute to his father moved the audience, showcasing a depth of emotion that resonated throughout the arena.
To close the night, Shenseea delivered an electrifying performance of ‘Shake It To The Max’, earning her a standing ovation. The atmosphere was steeped in joy and unity as diverse audiences came together to celebrate Black music. As MOBO Awards celebrated three decades, Manchester served as a fitting backdrop for a cultural reflection that embraced both global stars and the next generation of homegrown talent.
