MOBO Awards 2024: Everything that happened at the UK's biggest celebration of Black music in Sheffield

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See below for minute-by-minute updates on tonight's red carpet, atmosphere, and star-studded show.

The UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture is taking centre stage in Sheffield tonight for the first time in its 28-year history.

The 2024 MOBO Awards is taking place at the sold-out Utilita Arena, with nominees including Bugzy Malone, AntsLive and ENNY in attendance.

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Stormzy and Little Simz are leading this year with four nominations each, closely followed by thrice-nominated artists Central Cee, J Hus, PinkPantheress and RAYE.  Indiyah Polack, of Love Island fame, and comedian Babatúndé Aléshé are hosting.

MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Organisation has held a pivotal role in supporting the global growth of British black music, championing homegrown talent, and setting the standard across a range of genres.

Follow live as we keep you updated on tonight's red carpet, atmosphere, and star-studded show.

Key Events

  • First big names arive on the red carpet - including Dami Hope and TSHA
  • Last entries at 6pm before MOBOs 2024 is officially underway
  • The highlight of an amazing week of fringe events celebrating all things MOBOs

Best R&B/Soul act - Sault

The mysterious Sault received the award for Best R&B/Soul Act. Not wanting to reveal their identity, Little Simz accepted the award on behalf of the band.

Others nominated for the award were: Bellah; Jaz Karis; Mahalia; Ragz Originale; and Sampha.

DJ Spoony bring garage to the arena

Acts including Maxwell D, Sabrina, and Kaish, MC Harvey, and MC Romeo, joined DJ Spoony in a remix celebrating 30 years of UK garage.

DJ Spoony (far right) and guests attend the MOBO Awards 2024 at Utilita Arena Sheffield.DJ Spoony (far right) and guests attend the MOBO Awards 2024 at Utilita Arena Sheffield.
DJ Spoony (far right) and guests attend the MOBO Awards 2024 at Utilita Arena Sheffield.

Best Electronic/Dance Act - Shygirl

Shygirl has scooped up the award for Best Electronic/Dance Act. Other nominees were: Aluna; Nia; Archives; PinkPantheress; Salute; and Tsha.

Shygirl is the winner of the Best Electronic/Dance Act at the MOJO Awards 2024.Shygirl is the winner of the Best Electronic/Dance Act at the MOJO Awards 2024.
Shygirl is the winner of the Best Electronic/Dance Act at the MOJO Awards 2024.

Paving the Way Award - Jessica Ennis-Hill

Sporting icon and three time world champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was awarded the honorary MOBO Paving the Way Award.

Receiving the award, Jessica reminisced how Sheffield was the place she fell in love with sport.

Jessica Ennis-Hill (2nd left) with the Sugababes at the Mobo Awards.Jessica Ennis-Hill (2nd left) with the Sugababes at the Mobo Awards.
Jessica Ennis-Hill (2nd left) with the Sugababes at the Mobo Awards.

Best Newcomer - Tunde

In a speech from Tunde, he said: "Big shout out to my supports that have voted for me - without you this wouldn't be possible."

Other nominees this year include: Ama Lou; AntsLive; Debbie; Jayo; Nippa; No Guidnce; Rimzee; Strandz; and Tamera.

Previous winners of this award have included: Dave, Rita Ora, Ms Dynamite, Kayno, Craig David.

Best Female Act - Raye

Raye is currently on tour in Australia and couldn't make it to the awards night, but in a video message she shared her thanks to all that have supported her.

Award nominees included: Flo; Jorja Smith; Little Simz; Mahalia; and PinkPantheress.

MOBO Pioneer Award - Ghetts

Described as an icon in UK music, Ghetts was awarded the MOBO Pioneer Award.

Ghetts dedicated his award to his nan, and was joined on stage by his parents.

He said: "This award is for a pioneer, and I stood on the shoulders of some giants - I'm not just here by chance. I want to big up the people before me.

"Let's make the music, lets make awards about music, not music about the awards."

Ghetts was awarded the MOBO Pioneer Award.Ghetts was awarded the MOBO Pioneer Award.
Ghetts was awarded the MOBO Pioneer Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Soul II Soul

The "incomparable" Soul II Soul received the award for their incredible career spanning over 30 decades.

"I promised I would help to put Black UK music on the map. In order for us to do that I had to apologise.

"Today, I share the stage with young artists who are unapologetic. For their country ... for everything they stand for."

The next round of winners...

Ten of the categories were announced as a list, with Stormzy giving a video acceptance speech and saying he will be at the MOBO Awards, "God willing".

The list of winners is as follows:

Best Male Act - Central Cee

Best Jazz Act - Ezra Collective

Best Performance in a TV Show or Film - Damson Idris

Best Drill Act - K-Trap

Best International Act - Drake & 21 Savage

Best Caribbean Music Act - Valiant

Song of the Year - Central Cee & Dave, Sprinter

Best Gospel Act - Limoblaze

Best Producer - Inflo

Video of the Year - Stormzy, 'Mel made me do it'.

Best Hip Hop Act - Little Simz

Little Simz thanked her team, and "everyone who supported [her] over the years".

Little Simz on the red carpet earlier in the night.Little Simz on the red carpet earlier in the night.
Little Simz on the red carpet earlier in the night.

She was nominated for Best Newcomer in the the Awards ten years ago.

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