Mobo Awards return with nominations for Nines, Lianne La Havas, Mahalia and more

L-R clockwise: Headie One, J Jus, Mahalia and Lianne La Havas (Rex)
L-R clockwise: Headie One, J Jus, Mahalia and Lianne La Havas (Rex)

The Mobo Awards return on 9 December as a virtual ceremony streamed live on YouTube. Fans can also catch it on BBC One at 10.45pm, and highlights on BBC iPlayer.

The event will feature exclusive performances by Headie One, Ms Banks and Kojey Radical, with more performances to be announced. Maya Jama and musician Chunkz will host.

Richie Brave will host a special 1Xtra Talks show on Sunday 6 December, which will look at the history of the Mobos and how music has changed over the past 20 years.

This year’s nominations are led by Nines, Lianna La Havas and Mahalia, with new categories added including Best Music Producer, and arts categories including Best Performance in a TV Show/Film, and Best Media Personality.

“This is a year in which so many voices have been raised higher than ever – in protest, in mourning, but also in celebration of the incredible contributions that black culture has made all around the world,” an announcement read. “Mobo continues to believe in the power of the culture to bring people together.”

Mobo Award’s 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!”

See the nominations in full below:

BEST MALE ACT

Headie One

J Hus

Stormzy

Nines

AJ Tracey

Young T & Bugsey

BEST FEMALE ACT (IN ASSOCIATION WITH ISAWITFIRST)

Lianne La Havas

Ms Banks

Tiana Major9

Mahalia

Darkoo

FKA twigs

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

J Hus – Big Conspiracy

Stormzy – Heavy is the Head

Mahalia – Love and Compromise

Nines – Crabs in a Bucket

Lianna La Havas – Lianne La Havas

SONG OF THE YEAR [PUBLIC VOTED]

Young T & Bugsey ft Headie One – “Don’t Rush”

Digga D – “Woi”

Darkoo ft One Acen – “Gangsta”

Tion Wayne ft Stormzy and Dutchavelli – “I Dunno”

Abra Cadabra – “On Deck”

BEST NEWCOMER (IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND) [PUBLIC VOTED]

Aitch

Alicai Harley

Darkoo

Dutchavelli

Ivorian Doll

M1llionz

Miraa May

Pa Salieu

Shaybo

Tiana Major9

M Huncho

Loski

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Bree Runway – “Apeshit” (Directed by Will Hooper)

Nines – “Clout” (Directed by Charlie Di Placido)

NSG – “Lupita” (Directed by Kevin Hudson)

Jorja Smith – “By Any Means” (Directed BY Otis Dominque)

Knucks – “Home” (Directed by Ray Fiasco)

Kojey Radical – ‘20/20’ (Directed by Charlie Di Placido)

BEST R&B/SOUL ACT

WSTRN

Tiana Major9

Michael Kiwanuka

Mahalia

Lianne La Havas

BEST HIP HOP ACT

J Hus

Nines

Ms Banks

D-Block Europe

Krept & Konan

Potter Payper

BEST GRIME ACT [PUBLIC VOTED]

Ghetts

P Money

Manga Saint Hilare

Capo Lee

Jme

See the rest of the nominations here .

The ceremony takes place on 9 December.

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