The organizers of the MOBO awards have announced their 2021 show, which will be a live event for the first time since 2017. The awards, which have celebrated music of black origin and culture since 1996, will take place in Coventry on 5th December 2021, and fans will be able to attend in person.
Like many other events, MOBO took place online last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The organizers of the event noted that following last year’s livestream show, the awards ceremony is returning to “its rightful live show format” and coming to “the incredible city of Coventry“.
Over the past two decades, the MOBO Awards stage has seen performances from huge British stars like Sade, Amy Winehouse, Stormzy, FKA Twigs, Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sandé, Labrinth, Craig David, Ms. Dynamite, Laura Mvula, and Sugababes.
It has also showcased rising stars like Krept & Konan, Headie One, Stefflon Don, Ray BLK, Ms. Banks, Kojey Radical, and Young T & Bugsey to name just a few.
Kanya King, founder, and CEO of MOBO Group said: “In 2020 we proudly did the unthinkable by producing awards show amid a global pandemic, which was no easy feat.
“This year, we are delighted to be returning to a live format in the incredible city of Coventry”.
Kanya King, founder, and CEO of MOBO
She further noted that over the past 24 years, the MOBO Awards has set a precedent for delivering memorable moments and iconic performances, and this year’s ceremony will be no different.
“I can say for certain that the MOBO Awards on December 5 is going to be the most significant event in UK black culture this year. Stay tuned for announcements on the amazing live acts we are lining up as we have some very special performances up our sleeves”.
Kanya King, founder, and CEO of MOBO
MOBO is partnering with YouTube and the BBC for the second consecutive year to bring the awards to a global audience. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube on December 5 2021, while BBC One will broadcast a special behind-the-scenes show, which will include exclusive backstage content and performances and interviews from the awards ceremony.
The station’s coverage will see DJ Target dedicate his weekday shows to the MOBO Awards 2021 bringing listeners the performances and interviews with this year’s nominees and winners.
Councillor George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council, spoke of his delight at the event coming to Coventry.
“We are absolutely delighted to be the host city for the MOBO Awards as we feel Coventry is the perfect venue to welcome the UK’s biggest celebration of black music and culture.
“As a proud and modern multicultural city and one that has an excellent national reputation for successfully hosting major events, I’m sure the MOBO Awards will be another great success, and great that it’s the first time they’ve been held in the Midlands too”.
George Duggins
According to Councilor George, given the pride and their ambition that goes with the title of being ‘UK City of Culture 2021’, the partnership with MOBO and the Coventry Building Society Arena is yet another example of how Coventry is matching its ambition of being a major player in the country.
Stephen Vaughan, CEO of Wasps Group, owners of the Coventry Building Society Arena, noted that to attract the MOBO Awards to the Coventry Building Society Arena is a “massive feather in the cap” for them.
“We have hosted acts and bands from around the world, but to hold such a major event which celebrates the diversity and talent in the British music scene is very special indeed and we cannot wait for December 5”.
Stephen Vaughan
Coinciding with the awards announcement, the MOBO Organization has also announced MOBO Unsung 2021, its emerging talent competition with support from Marshall and PRS Foundation.
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