Tiwa Savage
The 21st edition of the annual “Music Of Black Origin” Awards (MOBO) was held on Sunday December 5, 2021 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, UK
The annual British awards show which honors the achievements in “music of black origin” resumed after a 4-year hiatus. Artists across hip-hop, grime, reggae, African music, jazz, gospel and R&B were all presented awards.
Several big names and rising stars won awards during the ceremony, which was hosted by actress, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and star comedian, Munya Chawaw; with Eddie Kadi as a special guest host.
The show was lit with blockbuster performances by Ghetts, Pa Salieu, Stefflon Don, Ms Banks, Bree Runway and others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w1grDW1Dck
Nigerian Grammy-award singer Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid etched his name in the history books as he became the most awarded African act in history after emerging winner in the Best International Act and Best African Act categories. With the two wins, he now boasts a total of five MOBO Awards.
He raced ahead of fellow Nigerian singers, Davido, Ckay, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Ghanaian King Promise, and popular music group NSG in the Best African Music Act of the year.
While in the Best International Act nominations, he won against Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Drake, Kanye West, Lil Nas X, Polo G, Rema, Skillibeng and Young Stoner Life.
Rapper Dave bagged the Album of the Year award after his sophomore album – We’re All Alone picked up the most MOBO nominations. Little Siz emerged as the Best Female Act.
Speaking with news outlet, Sky News, MOBO Founder and CEO Kanya King explained the introduction of a new drill category,
“What’s important is for the MOBOs to be a driver of progress and to really celebrate the music that young people are into,” he said, “drill is a dominant genre, and we wanted to be able to celebrate the artistry.”
Here is a list of all award winners:
Album of the Year – Dave We’re All Alone In This Together
Best Male Act – Ghetts
Best Female Act – Little Simz
Best Newcomer – Central Cee
Song of the Year – Tion Wayne and Russ Millions featuring Arrdee, Bugzy Malone, Buni, Darkoo, E1, Fivio Foreign and ZT – Body
Video of the Year – Lagga – M1llionz
Best Grime Act – Skepta
Best R&B/Soul Act – Cleo Sol
Best Hip Hop Act – D Block Europe
Best Drill Act – Central Cee
Best International Act – WizKid
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Micheal Ward as Franklyn in Small Axe
Best African Act – Wizkid
Best Media Personality – Chunkz and Yung Filly
Best Reggae Act – Shenseea
Best Jazz Act – Sons Of Kemet
Best Producer – JAE5
Best Gospel Act – Guvna B
