Mobo Awards a huge success in Sheffield
It happened in the city for the first time last night!
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
History was made last night as the Mobo Awards came to South Yorkshire for the first time ever!
Stormzy and Raye were among at the event at the Sheffield Arena.
It's hoped the awards happening here will inspire young people to dream big.
Mobos founder Kanya King said it was "amazing" heading to Sheffield as she went to the awards with stars including Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, the Sugababes, Bugzy Malone and Indiyah Polack - the Love Island contestant who is hosting the event along with comedian Babatunde Aleshe.
Ms King said:
"We've been getting outside of London for a long time - since 2009 - when everybody said to us nobody will show up.
"And we went to Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds and we'll keep on moving around the country.
"For us. It's about honouring our mission to celebrate all different cultures, bring people together and use the power of music to allow young people to dream big, to think big and be inspired."
Ms King added:
"One of the things that's important for the Mobo Awards is to honour the past and inspire future, so having Soul II Soul here - they are the musical soundtrack to my life. So, having them here is phenomenal as well as Sugababes and Ghetts, there's something for everyone."
Sheffield's very own Jessica Ennis-Hill was awarded with a special award.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dom Stokes, Director of Live Events & Venues at Utilita Arena Sheffield, said:
“What an incredible honour it has been for Utilita Arena Sheffield to host the 26th MOBO Awards. What a celebration and showcase for what we do so brilliantly day in and day out! Working together with our amazing partners, the MOBO organisation & Sheffield City Council, we got to show the world why we are renowned for being a City built on the best music and culture! With Sheffield City Hall being a part of the innovative and groundbreaking MOBO Fringe, we have ensured there will be a lasting & fruitful legacy after what was quite simply a reyt good party.”