Olivia Dean emerged as the night’s biggest winner at the 30th anniversary Mobo Awards, held at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Thursday. The singer-songwriter swept three major accolades, marking a significant triumph just weeks after her success at the Brit Awards.
Dean was honoured with Song of the Year for her single “Man I Need”, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Best Female Act. Her hat-trick follows a four-gong haul at last month’s Brit Awards, which also took place at the Manchester venue.
The acclaimed artist also performed at the ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and hip hop star Eve.
Speaking on the red carpet, Eve underscored the importance of the event, stating: “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.”
The prestigious Mobo lifetime achievement award was presented to British-American rapper and record producer Slick Rick.
He expressed his gratitude, telling the Press Association: “It’s a great honour. Appreciated me from where I come from, so thank you very much, Manchester. I appreciate the love.”
Slick Rick later took the stage alongside singer Estelle for a collaborative performance, showcasing his influential hip-hop journey.
Estelle, speaking ahead of the show, described it as “amazing” to be in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history. She mused: “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.”
American musician Pharrell Williams received the Global Songwriter Award.
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Manchester-based singer-songwriter Daley, who collaborated with Williams on the 2014 track “Look Up”, told the Press Association that Williams was thoroughly deserving of the recognition. “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 commented.
Nineteen-year-old DC3 secured two awards, for Best Newcomer and Best Gospel, celebrating his wins with his family. He described the “meaningful” awards as a shock, adding: “There are so many legends in one room.”
Other notable winners included Ezra Collective, who were named Best Jazz Act. Drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso said: “I’m grateful on behalf of me and all my brothers. This is 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.”
Actor Stephen Graham also received an award for Best Performance in a TV Show or Film for his role in Adolescence.
On the red carpet, stars reiterated the enduring significance of the awards, three decades after their inception. Myles Smith, nominated for Song of the Year for “Nice To Meet You”, stated: “I think it’s always been important and will continue to be important. I think shining a light on music from the black community and the amazing way that we shape core culture and push boundaries is something that’s incredible to do and hopefully long continues.”
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, formerly of girl group Little Mix, added: “I just feel like this is our one show to really highlight black music, so I think it’s super important and 30 years – that’s crazy.”
Full list of winners:
Best Male Act
Central Cee
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy – WINNER
Nemzzz
Odeal
Skepta
Winner: Jim Legxacy
Best Female Act
Flo
Kwn
Little Simz
Olivia Dean – WINNER
PinkPantheress
Sasha Keable
Album of the Year
Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
Flo – Access All Areas
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Little Simz – Lotus
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving – WINNER
Song of the Year
AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – “Crush”
Donaeo Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – “Nights Like This”
Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – “Victory Lap”
Jim Legxacy & Dave – “3x”
Kwn – “Do What I Say”
Myles Smith – “Nice To Meet You”
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need” – WINNER
PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
Raye – “Where Is My Husband!”
Tim Duzit – “Kat Slater”
Best Newcomer
DC3 – WINNER
EsDeeKid
Finessekid
Jim Legxacy
Kwn
Namesbliss
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman
YT
Video of the Year
Pozer – “Shanghigh Noon”
FKA Twigs – “Eusexua”
Jim Legxacy – “Father”
Little Simz – “Flood”
Raye – “Where Is My Husband!” – WINNER
Skepta & Fred Again.. – “Back 2 Back”
Best R&B / Soul act
Elmiene
Flo – WINNER
Kwn
Odeal
Olivia Dean
Sasha Keable
Best Alternative Music Act
Alt Blk Era
Blood Orange
Hak Baker
Michael Kiwanuka
Nova Twins – WINNER
Rachel Chinouriri
Best Grime Act
Chip – WINNER
Jayahadadream
Kasst 8
Ruff Sqwad
Scorcher
Wiley
Best Hip-Hop Act
Aitch
Asco
Catch
Central Cee – WINNER
D-Block Europe
Kojey Radical
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Wretch 32
Youngs Teflon
Best Drill Act
36
Booter Bee
Chy Cartier
Esdeekid
K-Trap
Leostaytrill
Nemzzz
Pozer
Twin S – WINNER
Wohdee
Best International Act
Ayra Starr – WINNER
Cardi B
Clipse
Gunna
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Best Media Personality
Bemi Orojuogun
DJ Ag
In My Opinion
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe
Nadia Jae
Niko Omilana – WINNER
Pk Humble
Remi Burgz
Uche Natori
Winners Talking
Best Performance in a TV Show / Film
Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King
Ashley Thomas – Hostage
Ashley Walters – Adolescence
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Damson Idris – F1
Dayo Koleosho – EastEnders
Lennie James – Mr Loverman
Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
Stephen Graham – Adolescence – WINNER
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Best African Music Act
Adekunle Gold
Ayra Starr
Davido
Joshua Baraka
Moliy
Rema
Shallipopi
Tiwa Savage
Tyla
Wizkid – WINNER
Best Caribbean Music Act
Ayetian
Lila Iké
Masicka
Shenseea
Vybz Kartel – WINNER
Yung Bredda
Best Jazz Act
Cktrl
Ego Ella May
Ezra Collective – WINNER
Kokoroko
Nubya Garcia
Yazmin Lacey
Best Electronic Act
FKA Twigs
Jazzy
Kilimanjaro
PinkPantheress
Salute
Sherelle – WINNER
Best Gospel Act
Annatoria
DC3 – WINNER
Faith Child
Imrhan
Sondae
Still Shadey
Best Producer
Inflo
Jae5
Miles Clinton James
P2J – WINNER
Sammy Soso
Zach Nahome
MOBO Lifetime Achievement
Slick Rick
MOBO Global Songwriter
Pharrell Williams
