An A to Z of the MOBOs

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 21:44

WITH a TV audience of over two million, the Mobos is one of the biggest pop music events to come to Scotland since the MTV Awards in 2003. Andrew Eaton offers a cut-out-and-keep guide ahead of tonight's bash at the SECC in Glasgow

a

is for Alesha Dixon, nominated for Best UK Act and Best Video. Winning either will provide some welcome good publicity after her much-derided Strictly Come Dancing judging.

b

is for Beyonce, who won't be attending. But not, she would like to make clear, because the awards have moved to Glasgow this year. She loves Scotland. She's just busy.

c

is for Chipmunk. This hip-hop prodigy is only 18, but already has one Mobo award to his name and four nominations this year. And he hasn't even released his debut album yet.

d

is for Diversity. Aka the people who beat Susan Boyle to first place in Britain's Got Talent. The street dance group from Essex will be among the performers at tonight's show.

e

is for Emeli Sand. Flying the flag for Scotland tonight will be this young Glasgow singer-songwriter, who co-wrote Chipmunk's Diamond Rings, up for a Best Song award.

f

is for Flawless. Another Britain's Got Talent success story, London street dancers Flawless reached the final but lost to Diversity. The acts share a stage again tonight.

g

is for gospel. Best Gospel award nominees this year include a group called Desire to Worship God. Which is a bit like starting a heavy metal band and calling it Desire To Wear Leather.

h

is for hip-hop. The Best Hip-Hop award should be interesting, with big US guns like Eminem and Kanye West up against plucky UK teen Chipmunk. Give it to Chipmunk, we say.

i

is for International Act. A category dominated by US stars who, as you may already have read, couldn't be bothered to turn up. Shame on you, Eminem, Lady Gaga et al.

j

is for Jermaine Jackson. Michael Jackson's brother has devoted much time recently to organising tribute shows. Expect a heartfelt, sentimental performance tonight.

k

is for Kanya King, who founded the Mobos in 1996. One of life's survivors, King grew up in poverty but has become one of the most influential women in the music industry.

l

is for Lemar. Like Will Young, Lemar is one of reality TV's rare successes, releasing four albums since Fame Academy launched him in 2002. He's up for Best R&B/Soul Act tonight.

m

is for Manny Norte, Masterstepz and Mistajam, all shortlisted for Best DJ, alongside Tim Westwood, a man surely deserving an honorary Accent of Black Origin award.

n

is for N-Dubz. Winners of best UK Newcomer at the 2007 Mobos, the London hip-hop group are up for Best UK Act tonight, and will perform at the show in Glasgow.

o

is for Oumou Sangare. The Malian performer dubbed the "Songbird of Wassoulou" is one of the favourites for the Best African Act award, nominated by public vote.

p

is for Sean Paul. Nominated for Best Reggae, the Jamaican star, now 36, is a veteran compared to many MOBO stars. He has just released his fourth album, Imperial Blaze.

q

is for questions. Do we know who'll win? No, but it's a fair bet that turning up helps. Note that both N-Dubz and Chipmunk, up for seven awards between them, are both performing.

r

is for ridiculous names. DJ Ironik, we salute you, for the most irony-free use of the word ironic since Alanis Morissette. Still, it's a better name than Victizzle (see V).

s

is for Sugababes. The band are all over the Mobos. Recently departed Keisha Buchanan is presenting, Amelle Berrabah is performing, and new member Jade Ewen is a nominee. Fight!

t

is for television. Last year, according to the MOBOs, the awards reached 250 million people in 57 countries. Will as many tune in given the lack of US stars? We shall see.

u

is for urban. A term that, as the kind of music the Mobos is championing goes mainstream (see feature, right) could end up as meaningless as "indie". Urban is now everywhere.

v

is for Victizzle, nominated for Best Gospel Act but who should surely win an award for silliest name. Victizzle is an 18-year-old producer, songwriter and rapper. His real name is Victor.

w

is for white audience. The Mobos have been criticised for choosing Glasgow over more ethnically diverse cities. Does it matter? Or is it just about the music? Judge yourself tonight.

x

is for The X Factor, a show that looms almost as large this year as Britain's Got Talent, with former contestants Alexandra Burke and JLS up for Best Newcomer.

y

is for Reggie Yates. The man holding the show together is a one-time Grange Hill star, Top of the Pops host and now Radio One DJ. At least he won't have Kanye West to deal with.

z

is for Jay Z. Who, like his better half Beyonce, will not be attending, despite being up for Best International Act. Too busy sitting at home listening to Coldplay, possibly.