In 2024, Central Cee was the highest-achieving artist at the Mobo awards, receiving the best male award for the second consecutive year. He also won best song for “Sprinter,” a collaboration with Dave that was a chart-topping hit for 10 weeks during the summer.
In other places, the accolades were distributed among a variety of musical genres, celebrating the talent of black artists in both the UK and around the world. No single artist stood out as the clear winner.
Raye, who just received a remarkable seven nominations for the Brit Awards in one year, won the award for best female artist due to the popularity of her first album, My 21st Century Blues. The album was released independently after facing delays at a major record label.
She was also nominated for album of the year, competing against notable artists such as Stormzy, Little Simz, J Hus, and the Mercury prize-winning Ezra Collective. However, the award ultimately went to Potter Payper for his debut album Real Back in Style (following six highly acclaimed mixtapes).
After being imprisoned for the 15th time, the east Londoner with Irish-Algerian roots finally gets to celebrate his album’s No. 2 spot on the charts with a long-awaited victory lap.
Following his release, he expressed to the Guardian: “I recognize that I have been making errors throughout my life, and it has been detrimental to me. Without becoming too sentimental, I regret missing out on a significant opportunity,” in regards to his achievement on the charts.
Tunde, a rapper from Manchester who emerged as the winner for best newcomer among nine nominees, has also recently encountered an issue with the authorities.
In August, he was acquitted of charges of conspiring to possess a firearm with the intent to endanger life. He had been accused of planning a shooting in 2020. Prosecutors referenced his lyrics during the trial in an attempt to prove his guilt, a tactic that has raised concerns among artists and supporters of free speech in recent times.
In the rap categories, Little Simz was awarded best hip-hop act just days before the release of her next EP, Drop 7. She also shared the best album award in 2022 with Knucks. At the Brit Awards this year, K-Trap, a first-time nominee, won best drill act for the second consecutive year.
Bugzy Malone, who recently branched out into acting with a major role in Guy Ritchie action comedy Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, was named best grime act. Stormzy lost out in the top categories but picked up best video for Mel Made Me Do It, directed by Klvdr.
Inflo was awarded the title of best producer, and Sault, his neo-soul group, took home the prize for best R&B/soul act. Ezra Collective was declared the winner in the jazz category, and Drake, 21 Savage, Asake, Valiant, and Limoblaze all claimed victory in their respective categories. The immersive concert by Sault in a Tottenham warehouse was highly praised as one of the top live performances of 2023.
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In the year 2022, the Mobos expanded their categories to include alternative and electronic/dance genres. The winners for these categories were reggae-metallers Skindred and versatile singer Shygirl respectively. The following year, in 2023, there were no awards given as the organizers decided to align the ceremony with other early-year award shows such as the Grammys and Brits.
In 2024, the Mobo Awards took place in Sheffield for the first time, with Indiyah Polack and Babatunde Aléshé as hosts. The event featured live performances by Ghetts, Sugababes, DJ Spoony, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise, and Camidoh. Soul II Soul also received a lifetime achievement award.
The Sugababes, who received an Impact award for their lasting musical influence, shared with the Guardian that their success in the music industry is attributed to their genuine and authentic approach.
Keisha Buchanan, a member of the band, expressed her disbelief and joy at the success and continued positive reception of their music throughout the years.
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Siobhán Donaghy mentioned that there were numerous differing views within the music industry regarding the band’s operations.
She expressed the importance of staying true to oneself, noting that it is now easier for artists to gain recognition but there is still a persistent class barrier for those from working-class backgrounds.
“I came across a statistic that showed a low representation of working-class individuals in the music industry. Therefore, I believe the Sugababes have been quite exceptional,” she stated.
“I do believe that throughout the duration of the Sugababes’ career, they have faced many challenges despite their accomplishments. They have experienced both success and criticism.”
Mutya Buena stated that they have successfully overcome barriers through their actions.
The 2024 Mobo award winners in full
The top male performer: Central Cee
Top female performer: Raye
The top album of the year is “Real Back in Style” by Potter Payper.
Song of the year: Central Cee and Dave – Sprinter
Best newcomer: Tunde
The top video of the year is “Stormzy – Mel Made Me Do It” directed by Klvdr.
Top R&B/soul artist: Sault
Top hip-hop artist: Little Simz
The top performer in the grime music genre is Bugzy Malone.
Top performing drill artist: K-Trap
The winners for the category of Best International Act (US) are Drake and 21 Savage.
The most outstanding portrayal in a television show or film was delivered by Damson Idris in Snowfall, as the character of Franklin Saint.
Best media personality: ShxtsnGigs
Asake is the top musician from Africa.
Top performer in Caribbean music: Valiant
Top jazz performer: Ezra Collective
Top choice for alternative music: Skindred
The top electronic/dance performer is Shygirl.
Best producer: Inflo
Top gospel performer: Limoblaze
The Soul II Soul Lifetime Achievement Award.
Impact award: Sugababes
Jessica Ennis-Hill was the recipient of the Paving the Way award.
Pioneer award: Ghetts
Source: theguardian.com
