The 2024 MOBO Awards, a celebration of Black music excellence, graced Sheffield with its presence, and what a night it was! Hosted with flair by Indiyah Polack and Babatunde Aleshe, the event transformed the city into a hub of rhythm and soul, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and viewers alike. From electrifying performances to heartfelt acceptance speeches, the evening showcased the vibrant talent and cultural richness of the music industry.
Kicking off the festivities were sensational performances by esteemed artists such as Byron Messiah, Ghetts, and the iconic Sugababes, setting the stage for an evening of musical brilliance. The energy was palpable as the audience eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners across 24 coveted categories.
In the realm of solo artists, Central Cee emerged victorious, clinching the title of Best Male Act, while the incomparable RAYE triumphed as Best Female Act, capturing hearts with her soulful vocals and undeniable talent. Potter Payper’s magnum opus, ‘Real Back In Style’, secured the Album of the Year accolade, solidifying his status as a trailblazing artist.
The Song of the Year category witnessed a fierce competition, but it was the dynamic duo of Central Cee and Dave with their hit track ‘Sprinter’ that stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tunde shone bright as the Best Newcomer, promising an exciting future in the music industry.
The visual artistry of music videos was also celebrated, with Stormzy’s captivating ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ earning the coveted Video of the Year award. Meanwhile, the soul-stirring sounds of Sault earned them the title of Best R&B/Soul Act, and Bugzy Malone’s unparalleled talent in the grime scene secured him the Best Grime Act award.
From hip-hop to drill, jazz to alternative, and gospel to electronic, the MOBO Awards recognized excellence across a diverse spectrum of genres, highlighting the breadth and depth of Black musical talent. Inflo’s exceptional production prowess earned him the Best Producer title, while Limoblaze’s inspiring gospel music resonated deeply with audiences, earning him the Best Gospel Act award.
As the night drew to a close, the MOBO Awards paid homage to legends, trailblazers, and pioneers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Soul II Soul was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Impact Award was bestowed upon the iconic Sugababes for their enduring influence on popular culture.
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was recognized with the Paving The Way Award for her outstanding contributions to sports and philanthropy, while Ghetts was celebrated as a Pioneer, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of music.
The 2024 MOBO Awards was more than just a ceremony; it was a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift. As the final notes faded into the night, the echoes of the evening’s performances and celebrations lingered, reminding us all of the transformative power of Black music.
Here’s the list of award winners from the 2024 MOBO Awards:
Best Male Act: Central Cee
Best Female Act: RAYE
Album Of The Year: Potter Payper – ‘Real Back In Style’
Song Of The Year: Central Cee & Dave – ‘Sprinter’
Best Newcomer: Tunde
Video Of The Year: Stormzy – ‘Mel Made Me Do It’
Best R&B/Soul Act: Sault
Best Hip Hop Act: Little Simz
Best Grime Act: Bugzy Malone
Best Drill Act: K-Trap
Best International Act (US): Drake & 21 Savage
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film: Damson Idris as Franklin Saint in ‘Snowfall’
Best Media Personality: Shxtsngigs
Best African Music Act: Asake (Nigeria)
Best Caribbean Music Act: Valiant
Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
Best Alternative Music Act: Skindred
Best Electronic/Dance Act: Shygirl
Best Producer: Inflo
Best Gospel Act: Limoblaze (Nigeria)
Lifetime Achievement Award: Soul II Soul
Impact Award: Sugababes
Paving The Way Award: Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Pioneer Award: Ghetts