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The MOBO Awards 2024 celebrated the best of British black music and culture on Thursday night, with Stormzy and Raye taking home the top prizes.
Stormzy, who was nominated for five awards, won Best Male Act and Best Album for his third studio album, Heavy Is The Head. The grime star, however, did not attend the ceremony, which was held at the O2 Arena in London. He sent a video message thanking his fans and the MOBO organisation for their support.
Raye, who is also a frontrunner for the upcoming BRIT Awards, won Best Female Act and Best R&B/Soul Act. The singer-songwriter, who released her debut album, Euphoric Sad Songs, in 2023, also performed her hit single, Please Don’t Touch, at the show.
Little Simz, who has been hailed as one of the most innovative and influential rappers of her generation, received Best Hip Hop Act, beating the likes of Dave, AJ Tracey, and Headie One. She also delivered a stunning performance of her song, Venom, from her acclaimed album, Grey Area.
Other winners included J Hus, who won Best Song for Must Be, Mahalia, who won Best Video for Simmer, featuring Burna Boy, and Nines, who won Best Newcomer. The MOBO Awards also honoured legendary reggae singer, Shaggy, with the Icon Award, and celebrated the achievements of black activists, such as Marcus Rashford and Lewis Hamilton, with the Inspiration Award.
The MOBO Awards, which stands for Music of Black Origin, was founded in 1996 by Kanya King to recognise and celebrate the contributions of black artists to the British music industry and culture. The awards returned in 2024 after a two-year hiatus, with a star-studded line-up of performers and presenters, including Maya Jama, Chunkz, Ms Banks, Kojey Radical, and Wizkid.
