Olivia Dean set to ‘light up’ Mobo Awards stage
Olivia Dean and R&B girl group Flo are among the artists who will “light up” the Mobo Awards stage with their performances, says its founder.
Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage is also on the line-up for the ceremony, which will be held at Manchester’s Co-op Live on 26 March for the first time.
Mobo founder and CEO Kanya King says she “can’t wait to see” the artists perform, describing them as “bold, brilliant and rooted in creative truth”.
Hip-hop star Eve is set to make her hosting debut at the show, alongside comedian Eddie Kadi, who returns for the third time.
The ceremony will mark the 30th anniversary of the organisation, which celebrates black music in the UK and beyond.
It is already set to be an exciting night for London-born singer Olivia whose soulful album, The Art Of Loving, is up for four awards, including album of the year.
She will be up against British trio Flo for the coveted prize, who have been nominated for their debut album, Access All Areas.
Rapper and three-time Mobo winner Little Simz’s sixth album Lotus is also up for the prize and has received four nods in total.
Other album of the year nominees include jazz quintet Ezra Collective for Dance, No One’s Watching, Kojey Radical’s second offering, Don’t Look Down and Central Cee’s first studio album, Can’t Rush Greatness.
Boy’s A Liar singer PinkPantheress and rapper Skepta have also received multiple nominations, as well as newcomers Kwn and Jim Legxacy.
American rapper Eve, known for hip-hop classics Let Me Blow Ya Mind and Who’s That Girl?, says she is “so excited” to co-host the show.
“Even though our journeys started around the same time across the Atlantic from each other, we have our shared love for music and the culture, and in making sure we continue to have spaces that celebrate talent and share our stories,” she adds.
Eddie says he is “so proud” to be part of the “legendary show” again and warns fans to “expect the unexpected” with the performances and surprise appearances.
The hosts “represent excellence, authenticity and cultural impact in their own right,” says Kanya.
“Together, they embody the spirit, humour and global perspective that has always defined the MOBO Awards.”
Other performers on the line-up and those receiving a special honour will be announced at a later date.
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