MOBO Awards
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The MOBO (an acronym for Music Of Black Origin) Awards, established in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell, are held annually in the UK to recognise artists of any race or nationality performing music of black origin.
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[edit] Controversy
Controversy has surrounded the name of the awards since its outset.[1] Some people[who?] argue that styles of music cannot be linked to skin colour in any useful way. The history of music shows that people of different races have influenced both 'black' and 'white' music especially in music such as jazz or rock and roll. For example, Western music influences and has been influenced by Asian music. Alternative names for the awards have been suggested, such as "Music Influenced By Peoples With African Heritage" or the "Modern Urban Music Awards" in order to distinguish it from musical genres such as country music, folk music and classical music, which are considered by some to be music of 'white' origin or, more accurately, European origin.
Many people have said that there is a double standard because a MOWO awards would be considered politically incorrect. The counter argument is that black people should be able to claim certain music for themselves just as white people can claim European classical music or country music.
[edit] 2004 Awards
The ninth annual MOBO Awards ceremony took place on 30 September 2004 at the Royal Albert Hall in London and was broadcast by BBC television. Lisa Maffia was the only UK female artist to win an award. She won the award in the UK Garage Act category award beating Dizzee Rascal and The Streets . Controversy surrounded the removal of reggae artists Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man from the 'Best Reggae Act' category at the 2004 awards due to their homophobic lyrics.[2]
[edit] 2006 Awards
In 2006 the awards were hosted by Coolio and Gina Yashere.
There was further controversy in this year when it was discovered that underground band the Choong Family were removed from the short list for newcomer due to pressure from Def Jam to include Lady Sovereign on the list[verification needed]. The decision to drop the award categories of world music and jazz prompted protests from jazz musicians outside the event. Beyoncé Knowles was booed for not showing up to the event despite winning 3 awards. Corinne Bailey Rae went on to win the prize for best UK newcomer. The British rapper Akala caused a stir when he won best hip hop act, beating competition from acts such as Kanye West, 50 Cent, and The Game.
[edit] 2007 Awards
The 2007 awards broadcasted live on BBC 3 from the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London and hosted by Shaggy and Jamelia. Shaggy opened the evening with a medley of hits including "It Wasn't Me", "Mr Bombastic" and "Angel". The show featured several other performances. T-Pain performed on stage with Yung Joc whilst Craig David and Kano also collaborated on stage. Rising stars, Ne-Yo, Mutya Buena and Robin Thicke also wow-ed the crowds at the O2 with performances. England cricketer, Monty Panesar and England footballer, Micah Richards were among a star studded line up of guests presenting individual awards which also boasts names including Sinnita and Quentin Tarantino.
