The MOBO Awards 2017

THE

MOBO AWARDS 2017 EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES? READ ON TO GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHAT HAPPENED AT THIS YEARS TALENT RETREAT, FOR THE MOBO AWARDS 2017

During this year’s MOBO awards dress rehearsals, I got the chance to be involved in the Talent Retreat sector of the event that takes place throughout the day and night. Creative Race is a fiercely independent marketing agency and organisation that revolves around consumers and brands, and was the very company who set up the Talent Retreat for this year’s ceremony. Now, what is the Talent Retreat you may ask? Well, it is a section of the event that doesn’t get seen on TV or by the viewers and audience of the show, it is strictly a VIP area where the celebs, artists and talent get to swing by.

T

he MOBO awards, also known as The Music of Black Origin awards is an annual event just like any other, and just like any other it never ceases to disappoint. This year, the show was held at Leeds Direct arena for its second time on Wednesday 29th of November, hosting to artists and celebs of all kinds to celebrate the growth and success of black music for its 22nd anniversary.

This year the ceremony kicked off at 8pm, and was hosted by none other than ex JLS band member Marvin Humes and Maya Jama.

Special performances included that by female artists Stefflon Don and Cardi B, with Afrobeat sensation Davido, Krept & Konan, Yungen and Yxng Bane thrown into the mix.

Stormzy however seemed to be the star of the event, with not only taking away three awards for Best Male Act, Best Grime Act and Best Album, but also for putting on an outstanding performance that had the whole of Leeds Direct on their feet.

With the entire night being a musical spectacle, celebrating genres of all black origin such as hip-hop, grime, RnB, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music, you can only wonder what goes into preparing for such an event. And not only that, but what happens behind the scenes.

Of course, however that is not the only reason celebs turn up to this gathering, as brands also organise gifts and freebies for them to take away, which is where my contribution to the Retreat was crucial. I was taken on by Creative Race as a photographer for the event, to capture any artists or celebrities that arrived and wanted to visit the VIP boxes, I was tasked to photograph each person as they communed with each brands representative and looked through the gifts and products on display. The overall experience was nothing short of draining. Myself, and two other photographers had to be at the arena for 8:30am on the morning of the ceremony, to set up in preparation for arrivals as well as being debriefed on the day’s

Throughout the day, there were a range of people who popped by, Marvin Humes himself came along quite early on of whom my fellow photographer was assigned to, however due to his schedule and rehearsals his visit was short lived.

Other rehearsals also went on through the day including that of, Cardi B, Stefflon Don and Krept and Konan, unfortunately however, Stefflon Don was the only one to make an appearance and was fondly interested in the Fenty Beauty VIP box. upcoming activities. We were contracted up until 7:30pm that night, around the time the awards would begin, and to be ready for anyone turning up to photograph. Even though it was an incredibly long day, it was an amazing and insightful experience, to not only see and find out what happens at these backstage events, but to also be a part of it. The brands that were included in this year’s Talent Retreat were, Fenty Beauty by Rhianna, Phiranna Hair Studios, Beyerdynamic Headphones, WGA$ Official, Carmex, Nasty Gal and Hubris, all of who had plenty of interesting products for the celebs to try and take away. From clothing and accessories, to dresses and makeup, from hair products to electronics and gaming, there was something for everyone.

As the day went by, and the beginning of the fast approaching ceremony got ever so closer, more and more artists appeared making their way to the dressing rooms, but not before taking a peek at what the Retreat had on offer. Eventually I was assigned to follow behind the artist Jay-Sean who was more than happy to pose for some shots in each brands box, also giving me the chance to capture some candids of him as well. However, he was not the only celeb I ended up being assigned to on the night as it got so much busier with celebrities showing up in all their glittering glory ready for the evening ahead, at one point there were so many people in and out of the VIP boxes, it was like we was having our own private

party, with joking, laughter and chatting all around.

It was amazing to see so many A-listers eventually showing up after it being such a long day waiting around, and I personally was incredibly thankful to Creative Race for giving me such an opportunity. The show must go on however, and as the time for the event to commence it was time to start packing up and heading home, that was until Fat Man Scoop himself rocked up dressed to the dozen, sporting shades and a real up beat charismatic attitude, well, we couldn’t leave then, could we?

Out of the whole experience, it was a real honour to photograph some amazingly talented and lovely people, putting aside their famous reputations it was a great opportunity to see a modicum of what they are actually like away from the screaming fans, press, and the excitement of the stage.

And to make the evening that even more perfect the MOBO awards 2017 turned out to be an utter success, with the biggest names in music all appearing for a much-deserved celebration of Black Origin. What a night it turned out to be, both on and off stage.

Take a look through the images below of this year’s Talent Retreat, at the MOBO awards 2017.

Written and photographed by Marybeth Simpson