On the evening of Wednesday the 8th of December, the MOBO's returned via a live YouTube stream, after a 3 year hiatus.
If you follow the blog or my socials, you’ll recall that earlier this year, as part of #CreativityWorks, I was able to spend some time listening and asking questions to MOBO CEO and Founder, Kanya King. At the time, she was very much navigating the uncertainty that plastered the live industry, caused of course by the tiresome C-word (I refuse to say it, because it’s bad vibes).
Not only was Kanya planning a large scale event in unpredictable times, but this was the MOBO's grand return– the first show since 2017 and the hiatus that promised to deliver a bigger and revamped show.
Bigger and revamped it was.
I was chilling in a Clubhouse room (those are truly something else, but I can’t spend too much time there, some of the things I’ve heard have spun my actual brain), until 7pm when the room was respectfully locked off and we all migrated to YouTube for the event.
Before sharing my personal favourite moments, I do just want to emphasise that it has been years since an award show has kept me engaged from start to finish, and yes, that comment does speak directly to the quality of recent shows. What I particularly loved, was the sheer excellence, from the captivating graphics and sets, to the hosting and performances.
Without further ado, please allow me to share my 6 Mobo Moments.
1. Graphics and Visuals
Shout out to @Hypebrid_ (and check them out here if you happen to be looking for a creative agency). I'm aware they are the team behind the new brand identity and they absolutely smashed it. Eye catching visuals across the board!
2. Ms Banks' performance
How fire please? This is what instigated this tweet that night:
Having said that, there is love for the guys too. There actually is. Because moment number 3 is...
3. Young T and Bugsey's Fendi sweaters
Okay, maybe more love for the sweaters than the guys. I spent the following three minutes trying to decide which colour way I liked more and concluded I just need both. Who even invented this pick one mentality anyway?
4. H.E.R. performing Damage
She gave me Rihanna vibes. That's a compliment, it really is. Beyond the music and style, when I say someone has similar vibes, what I really mean is the energy they're emitting that I'm then picking up on like some radio receiver. It do be like that. It's the pure superstar energy. The "I don't even have to do too much here" energy, "this is a vibe and I know it" energy. Set lighting, style and vocals were a tick, tick, tick.
5. Chunkz and Maya Jama's hosting
They were adorable to watch. Chunkz was looking dapper in his suit and well, Maya is stunning. We go back to vibes, you can't really explain it, they're just wholesome vibes and it's refreshing to watch. Also, these guys made me realise I need to get back into reading poetry aloud in the mirror... the eloquence was too real, and the stark contrast between them and my current self? Absolutely shocking.
And my very last MOBO moment (which I think really brought a lot of what I've already mentioned together)
6. Tiana Major9's performance
Everything about this performance reflected people who live and breathe art. This is what I love to see and hear. Magic, my soul language. I really hope to see Tiana flourish and grow into an artist that defines a generation.
And there we have a wrap on my favourite MOBO moments :)
I believe the next award show I have to look forward to are the GRAMMYs and... being very honest... the thought of it is giving me a headache. There's something about these "bigger" award shows in recent years that screams industry politics... and it's something that I could not be more over. But we'll see. We'll give it a chance because that's what we do over here.
Anyways, I'm clocking out because it is 4:30am on a Friday. Before I go, I've been told I need to shout a little bit more about where to find me so here we go– it is Henriqxes across all the socials (Twitter, Insta and YouTube), I do tend to share more on IG stories than anywhere else! Come say hi, share music thoughts, books, films etc etc... absolutely anything, I just like people who are passionate about peace and good vibes.
See you soon and all the love,
S.
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