Report: Tracey Popoola | Subbing: Claudia Jackson
Grime artist Stormzy leads this year, followed by newcomer J Hus
This year’s MOBO Award nominations have finally been announced, and Stormzy is the front-runner with five nominations, including best grime act, best male and best video. ‘Did You See’ Rapper J Hus closely follows behind with four nominations, whilst female artists Stefflon Don and Jorja Smith both have three.
The MOBOs, which was founded in 1996 by CEO, Kanya King MBE, celebrates music of black origin in the UK, and also uses this awards show to celebrate the growth of influential genres that have been birthed within the last 15 years, including Afro-beats and Grime.
The awards ceremony will be taking place at Leeds First Direct Arena on 29 November.
Full MOBO nominations 2017 list
Best male
Bugzy Malone
Chip
Dave
Giggs
J Hus
Maleek Berry
Mostack
Sampha
Skepta
Stormzy
Best female
Emeli Sand
Jessie Ware
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Little Simz
Mabel
Nadia Rose
NAO
Ray BLK
Stefflon Don
Best album
J Hus – Common Sense
Nines – One Foot Out
Sampha – Process
Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
Wretch 32 – Growing Over Life
Best newcomer
Dave
Jorja Smith
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Loyle Carner
Mabel
Mist
Not3s
Stefflon Don
Yxng Bane
Best songs
J Hus – Did You See
Kojo Funds feat. Abra Cadabra – Dun Talkin’
Not3s – Addison Lee
Stormzy – Big For Your Boots
Yungen feat. Yxng Bane – Bestie
Best video
Bossman Birdie – Walk The Walk
J Hus – Spirit
Loyle Carner – The Isle Of Arran
Mist – Hot Property
Stormzy – Big For Your Boots
Best hip-hop act
Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Stefflon Don
Wretch 32
Best grime act
AJ Tracey
Chip
P Money
Skepta
Stormzy
Wiley
Best R&B/soul act
Craig David
Jorja Smith
NAO
Ray BLK
Sampha
Best international act
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay Z
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Solange Knowles
SZA
Travis Scott
Wizkid
Best African act
Davido
Eugy
Juls
Maleek Berry
Mr Eazi
Sarkodie
Tekno
Tiwa Savage
Wande Coal
Wizkid
Best reggae act
Aidonia
Alkaline
Chronixx
Damian Marley
Popcaan
Best jazz act
Cleveland Watkiss
Daymé Arocena
Moses Boyd
Mr Jukes
Terrace Martin
Best gospel act
Lurine Cato
Mali Music
S.O.
Triple O
Volney Morgan & New-Ye