Leeds’ inaugural hosting of the annual MOBO Awards finally arrived last week, and what better way to mark the 20th anniversary than with the biggest and best event to date.
Held at the landmark First Direct Arena, thousands of fans packed inside the stadium to see Grime artist, Stormzy, walk home with two major awards, and rap duo, Krept and Konan, also pick up a double victory.
Stormzy, from London, was acknowledged with the Best Grime Act accolade and Best Male Act, beating the likes of Mark Ronson and Skepta to the latter.
It is the second year in a row that the 22-year-old has been named as the number one grime act on a night where grime came to the forefront of the music industry.
Meanwhile, Krept and Konan received their Best Hip-Hop act and Best Album trophies, telling newsbeat, all the work was certainly worthwhile.
Karl ‘Konan’ Wilson said: “It’s been a long year. We’ve been touring doing shows here and there.
“There have been headaches, ups and downs but we’re here now with awards to show for the hard work we’ve done.”
Meanwhile, Ella Eyre was named as the 2015 Best Female Act and Drake scooped the Top International Act award.
It was a special night for Cee-Lo Green and Lenny Henry, who both received special awards to commend their work in music and further afield.
Green, who is best known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and chart topping single, Forget You, received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Speaking after the ceremony, he said: “I am honoured by this acknowledgement, especially so young in my career. And it is all the incentive anyone would need to continue doing what I love.”
Henry, who received a ‘Paving the Way’ award from Great British Bake Off’s own Nadiya Hussain, said: “It’s an honour to say you’ve paved the way for people because my career isn’t over. I don’t feel like anything’s finished yet.
“It’s a huge honour. I’m very, very happy. It’s wonderful.”
There were also wins on the night for FKA Twigs (best video), Section Boyz (best newcomers), Skepta (best song), Popcaan (best reggae act), Fuse ODG (best African act) Shakka (best RNB/Soul act), Faith Child (best gospel act), and Binker and Moses (best jazz act).
