MOBO AWARDS
Steeling the limelight The MOBO Awards took place in the city of Sheffield for the first time. Read on, as StandOut talks to key players behind the MOBO Awards and MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe 7, Sheffield hosted one O nofFebruary the biggest nights in the world
of music when the MOBO Awards took place at Utilita Arena, Sheffield. It was the first time that the event had taken place in the city and the move north continued the MOBO Awards’ tradition of celebrating the best of Black music and culture in the regions and UK-wide. For the past 14 years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside London, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, and Coventry. The ambition to take MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite fans with local and global talent and to celebrate Black music and culture.
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But whilst MOBO will always have its roots in music, the MOBO Awards now champion Black culture in arts, sport, and media. This year’s event demonstrated that, taking a new direction with the introduction of new awards, including the MOBO Impact Award and MOBO Pioneer Award.
Events, and Harrogate Food and Drink Company – worked hard to ensure those inside the arena experienced an amazing time, the city itself was still reeling from hosting MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe from February 5-7.
CELEBRATION
Organised by Sheffield City Council in collaboration with MOBO and members of the local community, MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe was a series of events that took place before the big awards show. Emma France, manager at Marketing Sheffield, explained: “As the city’s destination marketing organisation, we look after the Sheffield brand and work closely
Thousands of fans gathered inside the arena to celebrate with the event’s big winners – Little Simz, Ezra Collective, Raye, Central Cee, Ghetts, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sugababes, and Soul II Soul. But such famous names were not the only ones celebrating. Whilst event industry professionals – including Marvellous Incorporated, SWG
EMBRACE THE EVENT
