Entertainment

Mobo Awards to return to London for special 25th anniversary celebration

The annual event, which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, will take place at the OVO Arena Wembley.
The annual event, which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, will take place at the OVO Arena Wembley. The annual event, which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, will take place at the OVO Arena Wembley.

The Mobo Awards will return to London for its special 25th anniversary celebration on November 30, it has been announced.

The annual event, which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, will take place this year at the OVO Arena Wembley.

In recent years the show has honoured trailblazing artists including Dave, Ghetts, Headie One, Central Cee, Aitch, and the 2022 Mercury Prize winner Little Simz.

Mobo Awards 2021
Mobo Awards 2021 In recent years the show has honoured trailblazing artists including the 2022 Mercury Prize winner Little Simz (PA)

The inaugural Mobo Awards took place in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, and the trophies are now considered one of the highest accolades in UK music.

Mobo founder Kanya King MBE praised the “incredible journey” that the award show has been on in the 25 years since its inception.

“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,” Ms King said.

“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.

Mobo founder Kanya King MBE praised the ‘incredible journey’ that the award show has been on in the 25 years since its inception (Jonathan Williams/PA)

“Mobo continues to create a cultural and social footprint, it will continue to be an agent for positive change in arts, culture, music and society as a whole.

“Our 25th anniversary show 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.”

More details of broadcasting, nominees, performers and hosts are to be announced in due course, with tickets for the event going on sale Friday October 21 at 9am.