More about: MOBO Awards

Equal representation in music award shows is just as contentious a topic today as it was at the inception of the very first MOBO’s in 1997. In spite of the "best" efforts of international award shows across the globe, BAME acts are still being snubbed on a regular basis (we're looking at you Grammy's). Enter the 25th anniversary of the MOBO awards.

This year's show brought the best of black British music, with everyone from Little Simz to Nile Rogers up for awards and gracing the stage at London's recently renamed OVO arena.

The evening was presented by 2021 "best media personality" winners Yung Filly and Chunkz, however, their nervousness radiated through the whole arena. It could be heard in every word they spoke (including "impromptu" exclamations of shock) read from an Autocue as large as the venue that illuminated the stadium like a nightlight.

The evening kicked off with a performance from north London's Tion Wayne, who was joined on stage by his mother sitting on a sofa while he performed a song depicting watching the MOBO’s in previous years together. It set the precedent for the level of excitement and showmanship that would take place over the next few hours, and boy were we in for a treat.

Performances from music veterans Nile Rogers, Craig David and Emile Sandé brought a blast of nostalgia to the largely young audience. There were also stand-out performances from newer artists like Fireboy DML and Cat Burns, who were an ice-cold blast of fresh air.

The evening wasn't all devoted to sensational live performances though. Artists were gathered to give great acts like Little Simz, Mahalia and Central Cee their well-deserved flowers. The awards also took time to honour those that are no longer with us, like the legendary Jamal Edwards who passed away earlier this year.

The MOBOs were an undeniable success, and the event demonstrated that in spite of other award shows' failures, there is still a place in the world to honour the individuals that make our tiny island great. It also demonstrated that even after 25 years these events can still be relevant and culturally significant to not only people of colour but anyone who is in love with the culture. If the annual ceremony continues to celebrate important musical excellence, the nation won’t tire of the “Music of Black Origin” awards anytime soon.

Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.

More about: MOBO Awards