Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, and Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, also known professionally as Burna Boy have won massively at the just ended Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.
On December 10, 2020, the MOBO Awards returned after a three-year hiatus, and Nigerian superstars, Wizkid and Burna Boy won big at the event.
The occasion which honors black music from all corners of the world, saw Nigeria’s Wizkid and Burna Boy being adjudged, the Best African Act and the Best International Act of the year respectively.
The live-streamed event, which was hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz witnessed performances by the Nigerian superstar, Davido, and Nigerian idol, Tiwa Savage.
The event also featured performances by Headie One, Young T & Bugsey, Ms. Banks, Kojey Radical and Shaybo, dancehall vocalist, Stylo G and soul singer, Tiana Major9.
Nonetheless, the Nigerian COVID-19 lockdown soundtrack, ‘Don’t Rush’ which was recorded by Young T & Bugsey, was declared song of the year.
The MOBO Awards is an annual music award presentation where creative industry personalities, mostly musicians, are honored for their achievements in “music of black origin”, including hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
The MOBO Organization was founded by Kanya King, and the first MOBO award was presented to Baby D, who was pronounced the winner for the Best Dance Act category.
The maiden awards was broadcasted by Carlton from London’s Connaught Rooms and Across its 22-year history, the MOBOs have been broadcast on Channel 4, BBC Television, ITV2, and on Channel 5 before returning to the BBC in 2020.
In 2009, the ceremony was held for the first time in Glasgow. Prior to that, it had been held in London. That notwithstanding, in 2011, the ceremony returned in Scotland. The awards then moved to Leeds for the first time in 2015.
The show returned to Leeds in 2017 where it was last held before going on break.
However, this year, it was confirmed that it would be returning but then, for the first time, it was streamed live on YouTube.
On November 24, 2020, nominations for the 2020 Music of Black Origin Awards were announced. Nigerian stars, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Fireboy, Adekunle Gold, and Tiwa Savage were nominated for various categories.
Ghanaian stars, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy also got nods alongside, Ivorian, Afro B, South African, Master KG, and NSG. British rapper, Nines, had the most nominations after a stellar year.
