you need people to recognise your work, so it’s great for an organisation like MOBO just to say you’re doing good,’ he smiles. ‘And of course, after these events, the media the musicians, and where they come from. And so they make people think about the ones who’re living there, and their problems.’ talk about
Rising Scots soul star Emeli Sandé co-wrote and sang on Chipmunk’s pop-ska mega-hit ‘Diamond Rings’ and, as such, is up for Best Song at this year’s awards. She’s also currently writing for Alesha Dixon and Cheryl Cole, and is set to re- accost the charts alongside grime ringleader Wiley. Sandé believes the MOBOs offer UK urban artists a crucial mainstream media platform. ‘The MOBOs are up on who’s saying what needs to be said,’ ‘They acknowledge more credible artists who might not get on the radio because of what they’re saying – she explains.
‘THE MOBOS WERE THE FIRST TO SAY: BRITAIN HAS THIS MUSIC; IT’S NOT JUST THE STATES’
but they can still get awards, can still get recognition that way.’ The MOBOs have come under fire for being racially divisive and needlessly niche. Both Sandé and Maal refute this, however. ‘I just don’t think that’s the case’, counters Sandé. ‘If you look at things like the Brits, there’s one single category that covers R&B, hip hop, everything – and there’s much more going on than that. The MOBOs are perfect for opening it up, not cramming it in,’ she insists. Maal agrees. ‘It’s great that they celebrate African music [not just generic ‘world music’]. And everyone in the African nominations is a family, you know? We’re not competing – we’re completing,’ he laughs.
This collective sense of revelry and cultural heritage impels the MOBOs. Maal – who performed at last year’s Celtic Connections and recently worked with Franz Ferdinand – salutes the awards’ collusive spirit. ‘It’s great for getting musicians from all over the world together,’ he enthuses, ‘to celebrate the connection of musicians everywhere’.
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reckons This year’s ceremony at the SECC highlights urban music’s countrywide currency. Sandé was raised in Aberdeen and is based in Glasgow: the MOBOs’ geographical shift out of London is timely. ‘There’s talent all over the UK,’ she says. ‘I remember watching the awards when I was younger – seeing people from your own country giving you the inspiration to go for it. The MOBOs were the first to say: Britain has this music; it’s not just the States.
to Glasgow,’ ‘I think it’s great that they’re coming she concludes. ‘It shakes things up. And I think even people who don’t usually listen to this sort of music will be interested. It makes it more accessible. It opens it up to everyone.’
Like your mum. And your dad.
And your nan.
MOBO Awards, SECC, Wed 30 Sep, Glasgow. Tickets are available from www.ticketsoup.com, priced £29, £39 or £49. VIP ticket requests can be made by completing the form at www.mobo.com/tickets
MOBOS
COUNTDOWN TO THE MOBOS Eminem, Kanye, Lady Gaga and Mariah amongst others. We’re rooting for R&B diva and Timbaland protégé, Keri Hilson.
A BRIEF HISTORY Founded by Kanya King MBE, the Music of Black Origin awards have promoted grassroots and global black music culture since 1996. They’ve paid widespread tribute to figureheads such as Brazilian dignitary Bebel Gilberto, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and jazz iconoclast Courtney Pine. They’ve championed US VIPs like Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Rihanna, Beyonce and Jay-Z. And they’ve introduced many of UK pop’s household names: previous MOBO ‘Best Newcomer’ winners include Estelle, Chipmunk and N-Dubz. (And thank you but no, we don’t wish to recall Mick Hucknall’s Outstanding Achievement laurel...)
WORLD MUSIC LUMINARIES Sean Paul regularly bags the Best Reggae trophy, so here’s hoping it goes to roots redeemer Tarrus Riley for his positive, humanitarian vibes. Femi Kuti’s a cool contender for Best African artist – given pop and alternative music’s current love affair with afrobeat – but Amadou & Mariam and Baaba Maal are close runners. Herbie Hancock, in the meantime, is long overdue the Best Jazz decoration.
HOMEGROWN CONTENDERS The majority of this year’s awards are decided by public vote (now closed). Hence expect hysterical plaudits for X-Factor bicep squadron JLS. Chipmunk, N-Dubz, Dizzee and Tinchy are auspicious alternative bets. Put your money on Emile Sandé for 2010 while you’re at it: she’s likely to sweep the boards at next year’s awards.
GLOBAL POP ROYALTY Battling it out in the Best International category are Jay-Z, Beyonce,
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT ON THE NIGHT? Speculation is rife that this year’s musical elite will touch down in Finnieston via helicopter, submarine, air-balloon, hovercraft, unicorn-drawn cavalcade and even the exquisite Hampden Cab. Previous lavish galas have welcomed Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill, Dionne Warwick, Jay-Z and no less a god than Lionel Richie. The good folk at the MOBOs assure us that this year’s dazzling hoopla will follow suit. Jermaine Jackson and JLS are already confirmed, alongside lively on-stage alliances from N-Dubz with Tinchy Stryder, and Chipmunk with Emeli Sandé – climaxing of course, we sincerely hope, in a gilded full-cast finale of Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’.
24 Sep–8 Oct 2009 THE LIST 23