Mobo awards winners: Olivia Dean scores hat-trick at 30th anniversary of celebration of black music and culture
The 30th anniversary of the Mobo awards has taken place celebrating black music and culture - see the full list of winners.
Olivia Dean was the big winner at the 30th anniversary Mobo awards, held in Manchester last night (March 26). The star took home three gongs from the event - a celebration of black music and culture - which was held three decades after the founding of the Mobo organisation.
At the Co-op Live arena, Dean's Man I Need was named song of the year, while The Art of Loving was crowned album of the year, and the performer was named best female act. The accolades came off the back of four wins at last month’s Brit Awards, held at the same venue.
Dean also took to the stage at the event, which was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and hip hop star Eve. Speaking on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony, Eve said: “It feels amazing because the energy is crazy. I am definitely nervous but I’m excited.
“I think without having organisations like this or celebrations like this, I don’t think we would get to see the amount of black music, to celebrate the amount of black artists, it’s beyond important.”
Elsewhere, the Mobo lifetime achievement award was given to British-American rapper and record producer, Slick Rick, who said it was "a great honour". "Appreciated me from where I come from, so thank you very much, Manchester. I appreciate the love," he added.
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He took to the stage with singer Estelle for a collaborative performance to showcase his hip hop journey. Ahead of the show, Estelle said it was “amazing” to be in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history. “I’m like, what took it so long to get to Manchester? But everything at the right time,” she added. “We’re here, we’re celebrating us and that’s beautiful.”
The global songwriter award was given to American musician Pharrell Williams, with Manchester-based singer-songwriter Daley, who collaborated with Williams on the 2014 song Look Up, saying he was thoroughly deserving of the award. “It was very clear to me why he’s such a successful and such a good songwriter because he really taps into what the feeling of the song is, so he’s very deserving,” Daley said.
Nineteen-year-old DC3 claimed two awards – for best newcomer and best gospel – and was there to celebrate with his family.
Other winners on the night included Ezra Collective, who won best jazz act, with drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso calling the award "a wonderful thing". "So, very, very proud and just grateful. Beyond the trophy itself, it’s a very special thing that a name like Ezra Collective can get mentioned and lots of people recognise it and that’s testament to so many people supporting us, from grassroots and championing us," Femi added.
Mobo awards winners - full list
- Best male act – Jim Legxacy
- Best female act – Olivia Dean
- Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- Best newcomer – DC3
- Video of the year – Raye , Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)
- Best R&B/soul act – Flo
- Best alternative music act – Nova Twins
- Best grime act – Chip
- Best hip-hop act – Central Cee
- Best drill act – Twin S
- Best international act – Ayra Starr
- Best media personality – Niko Omilana
- Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
- Best African music act – Wizkid
- Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel
- Best jazz act – Ezra Collective
- Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle
- Best gospel act – DC3
- Best producer – P2J
- Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams
- Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick
Aside from the music, actor Stephen Graham was at the event, winning best performance in a TV show or film for Adolescence.