June 26th: Today's Feature

June

MOBO AWARDS (Music of Black Origin)

Kanya King, the visionary behind the MOBO Organisation, established this prestigious platform to celebrate and honour exceptional talent in the music industry. The very first MOBO award, recognising excellence in the Best Dance Act category, was awarded to the incredibly talented Baby D. This groundbreaking event took place at the iconic Connaught Rooms in London, with the inaugural awards ceremony being broadcasted by Carlton Television.

Over the course of its remarkable 22-year journey, the MOBOs have captivated audiences across various television networks. From Channel 4 to BBC Television, ITV2 to Channel 5, the MOBO awards have consistently delivered unforgettable moments and showcased the very best of British and international music. Each year, the MOBOs have continued to evolve, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for music award shows.

In a triumphant return to its roots, the MOBO awards made a highly anticipated comeback to the BBC in 2020. This homecoming marked a significant milestone for the MOBO Organisation, as it once again joined forces with the renowned British broadcasting network to bring the world a spectacular celebration of diversity, creativity, and musical brilliance. With its rich history and unwavering commitment to recognising outstanding talent, the MOBOs continue to shine a spotlight on artists who inspire, entertain, and shape the future of music.

For over two decades, the MOBO organisation has been dedicated to uncovering and nurturing talent within the realms of music, film, and television.

MOBO works tirelessly every single day to curate events, produce engaging content, form strategic partnerships, and provide valuable opportunities for aspiring individuals in the entertainment sector and beyond.

The highly anticipated annual TV shows hosted by MOBO serve as a platform to showcase and celebrate the profound cultural, social, and economic contributions made by this exceptional organisation.

Since its establishment in 1996, the MOBO Awards has solidified its position as one of the most prestigious music award ceremonies in Europe. With a history spanning over two decades, the MOBO Awards have consistently celebrated excellence in music, recognising the outstanding achievements of both British and international talent across various genres including Hip Hop, Grime, RnB/Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, and African music. The MOBO Awards have become synonymous with honouring artistic and technical brilliance in the music industry, making it a highly anticipated event for music makers and fans alike.

Over the years, the MOBO Awards have attracted a plethora of global music icons who have graced the stage with their presence. From Janet Jackson to Beyonce, Diddy to Jay Z, the MOBO Awards have hosted an impressive lineup of international artists who have left a lasting impact on the music industry. The star-studded list of attendees also includes legends such as Lauryn Hill, Rihanna, Tina Turner, and Usher, showcasing the MOBO Awards' ability to draw in some of the biggest names in music.

Furthermore, the MOBO Awards have been instrumental in propelling the careers of numerous UK artists to new heights. Acts like Stormzy, Craig David, Rita Ora, and Ms Dynamite have all been given a platform to showcase their talents on the MOBO stage, kickstarting their journey to global success. The MOBO Awards have consistently championed emerging talent, providing a vital stepping stone for artists to break into the mainstream music scene and reach a wider audience. As the MOBO Awards continue to evolve and grow, their impact on the music industry remains undeniable, solidifying their status as a cornerstone of musical excellence.

In addition to recognising excellence in music through awards, MOBO goes above and beyond to nurture and promote undiscovered talent. One of the ways they do this is through MOBO UnSung, a platform that provides a spotlight for emerging artists and gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills to a wider audience. By giving these talented individuals a chance to be heard, MOBO is actively contributing to the growth and development of the music industry.

MOBO's commitment to supporting creativity extends beyond just music. They also organise the MOBO Season, a series of events that celebrate and showcase talent across various creative industries. This not only provides a platform for artists, designers, and performers to showcase their work, but also creates opportunities for collaboration and networking within the creative community. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, MOBO is playing a crucial role in the overall growth and success of the creative industries.

As part of their dedication to empowering young people in the creative industries, MOBO has established the MOBO Trust. This charity aims to provide support and resources to young individuals who aspire to pursue a career in the creative arts. The MOBO Fund, established by the trust, offers financial assistance to those in need, helping them overcome barriers and pursue their dreams. Additionally, the newly launched MOBO Academy provides educational programs and mentorship opportunities, equipping young creatives with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. Through these initiatives, MOBO is not only recognising talent but actively investing in the future of the creative industries.