The Mobo Awards returns to our screen on December 9th hosted by presenter Maya Jama and nusic artist & comedian Chunkz.
The music awards show will be streamed on YouTube at 7 pm GMT, followed by a full broadcast on BBC One at 10:45 pm GMT with a highlight special on BBC iPlayer with supporting content on BBC Sounds.
There will be exclusive performances on the night from Headie One feauturing M Huncho, Tiwa Savage, Ms Banks, and Kojey Radical with more acts to be confirmed. Leading the nominations this year are Mahalia, Nines, and Lianne La Havas.
BBC Radio 1Xtra will also be covering the awards starting on Sunday 6 December (9-10pm) with a special 1Xtra Talks show hosted by Richie Brave that will look back at the last 24 years of MOBO history and look at how music has changed and evolved over the last two decades. Then, on Wednesday 9 December (7-9pm), DJ Target will dedicate his show to the MOBO Awards 2020 which will include special performances and interviews with some of this year’s nominees.
The awards, established in 1996 by founder Kanya King MBE to honour exceptional, Black talent will be live-streamed for the first time. The 90-minute ceremony will not only celebrate but shine a light on the social and cultural events that have impacted us this year.
The Mobo awards have made a massive contribution to UK music over its 24 years with star-studded shows featuring a host of global superstars including Rihanna, John Legend, and Lionel Richie, Sade, Jay-z, and Beyonce. It has been the platform where some of the biggest names in Uk music began their career from Stormzy, Krept and Konan, Chip to Beverley Knight and Emelie Sandie.
MOBO Founder, Kanya King, said: “Recognising the unique role the MOBO Awards plays for so many, and the challenging year we find ourselves in, it is now more important than ever to be there and to continue the rich history of showcasing the very best of Black music and culture. We are proud to partner with YouTube and the BBC to bring this year’s celebration to millions of music fans, and continue to uplift creative voices here in the UK and around the world. A special thanks to Arts Council England, ISAW IT First, and Accenture for supporting us on this journey – we see you!”
YouTube Music’s Director of EMEA, Dan Chalmers said: “It’s a real privilege to be partnering with The MOBO Awards to bring a global audience to such an important British music event. It’s vital that artists and creators from across all backgrounds, genres, and sounds are given a platform to build an audience and fanbase. I’m honoured to continue to lift up and support the Black British music community, which continues to be at the heart of the music experience in the UK. I look forward to watching the nominees and winners on this special night and supporting them on their journey forwards.”
Kate Phillips, Acting Controller BBC One said: “It’s fantastic to be partnering with the MOBO Awards this year and showcasing the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture on BBC One and iPlayer.”
The Mobo Awards take place December 9th 2020. You can vote new categories and act here