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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Rachael Davies

MOBO Awards 2022: Nominees, hosts and line-up announced

MOBO

The MOBO Awards are to return for its 25th anniversary event at the end of the month.

Founded in 1996, they celebrate and elevate music of black origin, seeking to support the growth of British rap, hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, gospel, jazz, reggae, garage and other genres.

“It’s a proud moment to see MOBO Awards return to London for our big 25-year milestone, which will see us celebrating our legacy, as well as paying it forward to the biggest stars of the scene,” said MOBO founder Kanya King CBE in a statement.

“25 years ago I put my house and sanity on the line to make the first MOBO Awards happen at the Connaught Rooms and what an incredible journey it has been.”

Here’s all we know about the MOBO Awards 2022, with more details soon to come.

When are the MOBO Awards 2022?

The MOBOs 2022 will take place on November 30. You can also attend the awards ceremony yourself, as tickets went on general sale on October 21.

Who is performing at the MOBO Awards 2022?

The MOBO awards will be full of performances from groups and rappers alike. Kojey Radical, Tion Wayne, Fireboy DML, Cat Burns and FLO are confirmed to take the stage, with FLO making their televised awards ceremony debut.

Kojey Radical will be performing at the awards (Technique PR)

Having turned heads with their recent live performances on Jools Holland and Jimmy Kimmel, the trio – made up of Renée, Jorja and Stella – are set to stun at Wembley after an impressive debut year and have already been tipped by Missy Elliott, SZA and Sugababes.

Who is hosting the MOBO Awards 2022?

London-based YouTubers turned TV presenters Chunkz and Yung Filly will be hosting this year’s show. Both the stars won the MOBO best media personality award last year.

Chunkz, who hosted the MOBO Awards in 2020 alongside Maya Jama, is a social media phenomenon with over 193 million views on his YouTube channel.

Presenter, musician and comedian Yung Filly has gone from one of the UK’s most popular YouTubers to recording music with grime royalty Chip and impressing Paul Hollywood on The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

Where will the MOBO Awards 2022 be held?

The MOBO Awards 2022 will be held at the OVO Arena Wembley and King has promised that the 25th anniversary edition of the MOBOs “will be the biggest celebration we have ever created”.

“I want MOBO to continue being a beacon for the best talent this country has to offer,” she added. “Here’s to the next 25 years!”

Who are this year’s nominees?

Nominees for this year’s awards include Little Simz, Dave, Aitch Mahalia and many more.

The full line-up of nominees is as follows:

Best Male Act

Central Cee
Dave D-Block Europe
Digga D
Knucks
Tion Wayne

Best Female Act

Little Simz
Mahalia
Miraa May
Ms Banks
Pinkpantheress
Tiana Major9

Album of the Year

Aitch – Close to Home
Knucks – Alpha Place
Kojey Radical – Reason to Smile
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
M Huncho – Chasing Euphoria
Miraa May – Tales of a Miracle

Song of the Year in Association with Lucozade – (Public Voted Category)

Aitch featuring Ashanti – Baby
Central Cee – Doja
Dave – Starlight
Digga D & Stillbrickin – Pump 101
Dreya Mac, Felixthe1st & Finch Fetti – Own Brand (Baddie)
Potter Payper featuring Tiggs Da Author – Gangsteritus

Best Newcomer in Association with Asos – (Public Voted Category)

Amaria Bb
Bru-C
Cat Burns
Clavish
Cristale
Flo
Jbee
Nemzzz
Nia Archives
Switchotr

Video of the Year in Association with McCrispy – (Public Voted Category)

Central Cee – Doja (directed by Cole Bennett)
Headie One, Abra Cadabra & Bandokay – Can’t Be Us (directed by Headie One & Don Prod)
Knucks – Alpha House/Hide & Seek (directed by Emile Ebrahim Kelly)
Kojey Radical featuring Knucks – Payback (directed by Charlie Sarsfield & Ejiro Dafé)
Little Simz featuring Obongjayar – Point and Kill (directed by Ebeneza Blanche)
Mahalia – Whatever Simon Say (directed by Mahalia)

Best R&B/Soul Act