MOBO Awards set to be held in Sheffield
One of the biggest events in the British music calendar is coming to South Yorkshire.
The MOBOs - which celebrate Black music and culture - are going to be held in Sheffield next year.
Recent years have seen Nile Rodgers, Craig David and Cardi B among the performers.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to Sheffield early next year and welcome thousands of people to celebrate music of Black origin at one of Europe’s biggest music award ceremonies. With Sheffield’s rich musical history and our reputation for hosting major events, we’re proud to recognise and honour exceptional British and international talent across a range of genres. Music runs through our blood and this partnership with MOBO and Utilita Arena Sheffield is another example of our ambition for this city and an opportunity for us to celebrate our diverse music and culture. 2024 will be a big year for Sheffield and we cannot wait to roll out the red carpet.”
Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development & Skills Committee, said:
“We are so proud that Sheffield is a city known for hosting major events, with the MOBOs joining the likes of UEFA Women’s Euros, Rugby League World Cup and more, as well as our extremely popular satellite events for Eurovision, the Queen’s Jubilee and King’s Coronation. Events such as these provide a significant economic boost to Sheffield and the wider region and we hope to work with MOBO to ensure there is a legacy for South Yorkshire’s diverse communities. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to Sheffield and showcase everything our city has to offer.”
MOBO Founder, Kanya King CBE, said:
"MOBO are excited to be kicking off the 2024 Awards season and heading to the city of Sheffield for the very first time for the 26th MOBO Awards. For the past 14 years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside of London – including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, and now Sheffield. Our desire to bring MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite massive talent from a local and global level, as well as fans, to deliver an iconic music experience rooted in celebrating Black music’s present and future, as well as elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change.
"Now in its twenty sixth year, the MOBO Awards continues its reign as the ultimate platform to showcase creativity, culture, and excellence. As we prepare to celebrate a few cultural milestones next year, the groundbreaking work MOBO does to empower and uplift underrepresented talent beyond the stage will also be at the forefront. Prepare for an unmissable night of iconic performances and surprises as we celebrate artistic excellence, MOBO’s enduring legacy, and a game changing future.”
Dom Stokes, General Manager at Utilita Arena Sheffield, said:
“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to host such a prestige event as the MOBO Awards at our iconic venue. Our incredible venue was in fact the first purpose-built arena in the UK and for over 30 years now has been an integral part of Live Music DNA locally, nationally and internationally. This event will add to our amazing fabric of history and heritage of delivering exceptional events year after year for the city of Sheffield.”