Mobo Awards helps to 'unite grassroots music' in South Yorkshire
We've been speaking to Fringe event organiser Omar Khan
As South Yorkshire continues to prepare to host the Mobo Awards later this week - we're hearing the event has helped to 'unite' local, grassroots music organisations.
That's according to Omar Khan - who's organised one of the fringe events in Sheffield tonight at the City Hall - with a number of industry experts expected to attend.
Omar - who works with local artists in Sheffield - says it's a great opportunity:
"This is about having an industry panel event, that has been set up at the same level you'd expect to see in somewhere like London, but we're having it in Sheffield.
"It's all about providing education and inspiring the artists in this community by connecting them with people who could potentially change their lives.
"Having the Mobo's in town has brought all of the different music organisations who work with grassroots talent together, and I'm so grateful for that.
"I want to ensure this isn't a one-off thing that happens in Sheffield; just because the Mobo Awards are coming to the city.
"I'm thinking there should be regular meetings between artists in the community, where they can ask questions and get support.
"This could potentially happen every few months moving forwards, in terms of building a legacy from the Mobo's coming to Sheffield."
The event tonight at the City Hall - which is sold out - is due to take place from 6.30pm-10pm.
Meanwhile, the Mobo Awards are set to go ahead at the Sheffield Arena on Wednesday.