Next MOBO Awards confirmed for February '24

Traditionally held in November, the event was first held in 1996 and celebrates black music and culture while supporting the growth of different genres like Afrobeats, hip hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, EDM and jazz, among others.

Last year, Burna Boy added two more awards to his MOBO tally, for Best African Act and Best International Act. Other past African MOBO winners include Wizkid, Davido and Fuse ODG.

“MOBO are excited to be kicking off the 2024 awards season and heading to the city of Sheffield for the very first time for the 26th MOBO Awards,” MOBO founder Kanya King CBE said. “For the past 14 years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside of London, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry and now Sheffield.

“Our desire to bring MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite massive talent from a local and global level, as well as fans, to deliver an iconic music experience rooted in celebrating black music’s present and future, as well as elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change.”

Sheffield City Council leader Tom Hunt said: “We are thrilled to welcome MOBO Awards to Sheffield early next year and welcome thousands of people to celebrate music of black origin at one of Europe’s biggest music award ceremonies. With Sheffield’s rich musical history and our reputation for hosting major events, we’re proud to recognise and honour exceptional British and international talent across a range of genres.”

Last year’s 25th MOBO Awards were held in London. British acts Knucks and Little Simz, who are of Nigerian descent, as well as Central Cee and PinkPantheress scooped up the big awards on the night, alongside Nile Rodgers who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The show also featured performances from Nigeria’s Fireboy DML and British-Zambian singer Emeli Sandé, among others.