The MOBO awards will return later this year with the first live show since 2017, organisers have announced.
The annual celebration of music of black origin will take place in Coventry on 5 December in front of a live audience. It will be live-streamed on YouTube and BBC One will broadcast a behind-the-scenes show with interviews and performances.
???? The countdown to #MOBOAwards 2021 starts now! ????
Get ready, the @MOBOAwards goes down LIVE @CBSArena #InCoventry on Sunday, December 5. Join the party and witness the magic unfold – tickets will be availale from Friday, October 29 at 12pm.
More info: https://t.co/0QCXIeyCRQ pic.twitter.com/HevQYUozUV
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) October 28, 2021
Like many other events, last year’s MOBOs ceremony took place online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former winners include grime artist Stormzy and rapper Tinie Tempah. This year’s nominees have not been announced.
Other artists honoured in recent events include Krept & Konan, Nicola Adams, Skepta and Ms. Dynamite.
“In 2020, we proudly did the unthinkable by producing an 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,” MOBO Group founder and chief Kanya King said in a statement.
“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.”
City of culture
The awards will take place at Coventry Building Society Arena. The West Midlands city is the UK’s current city of culture.
Throughout 2021, the city is hosting dozens of free and ticketed cultural events in the hope of welcoming tourists from across the UK.
A1 — one half of the teenage rap duo A1 & J1 — comes from Coventry. He told the BBC he was glad the city is “finally getting the recognition it deserves.”
