Blinging in the rain as Mobos warm to Glasgow

Published on Wednesday 30 September 2009 22:35

BRITISH bling found a kindred spirit in Glasgow last night, when it rolled into the city for the Music of Black Origin awards.

The event belied critics who claimed Scotland's biggest city was not suited to host the awards, with a show that packed in performances from some of the biggest names in the UK urban music scene, including Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz and Chipmunk, and with enough glamour to silence even the most ardent doubters.

However, prior to the show, the performers and guests may have had good reason to fear that the evening was a damp squib.

Those treading the red carpet found themselves walking in the shade of the SECC's grim, grey corrugated exterior and whipped by the first cold winds of autumn.

A small but vocal crowd of fans braved the gales to scream at every car that pulled up – whether it contained a famous face or not. The swankier the car, the louder the squealing.

Certainly, given the 6pm starting time, the mix of homeward-bound workers, paparazzi and glammed-up fans made for an interesting sight. Sharon Hughes, 27, from Wishaw, said: "I do think that Glasgow deserves to have this sort of event – it's very popular in the clubs up here, and hopefully it will bring more of this sort of thing here."

In pictures: The MOBOs come to Glasgow

Inside, however, the temperature was much higher, and a packed audatorium happily cheered every mention of "Scotland", "Glasgow" and the Mobos, and generally "made some noise" whenever invited.

Hosted by BBC youth presenter and DJ Reggie Yates, the show was opened by rapper Tinchy Stryder, who emerged from cloud of dry ice backed by a laser show to a rapturous reception.

Vertiginous high heels, big hair and toga dresses proved to be the theme for most women, while sharp suits and extravagant headwear seemed to be order of the day for men.

The awards had been criticised this year for failing to draw appearances from any international acts, even though Eminem, Kanye West and Lady GaGa had all been nominated.

The crowd seemed to take this as a personal snub and when Beyonc, who won best video and best international act, appeared in a recorded clip to accept an award, there were boos.

However, particular cheers were reserved for an appearance by Germaine Jackson who performed Smile in memory of his brother Michael at the awards.

Speaking prior to the show, Germaine, who attended the event with his sister LaToya, said: "My brother was everything to me. He was a wonderful artist and a wonderful human being.

"I'm here to do what I can – it is part of our responsibility as a family to continue his legacy and keep it alive."

Mobos organiser Kanya King said LaToya had changed her itinerary to attend the awards when she discovered they were in Scotland.

One performer, Taio Cruz, said of Glasgow: "It's great – very sexy, apart from the rain, which is unsexy anywhere you go. But I've seen lots of pretty girls."

WINNING ACTS

Best UK Act: N-Dubz

Best Newcomer: JLS

Best Song: JLS – Beat Again

Best Album: N-Dubz

Best DJ: Trevor Nelson

Best Hip Hop: Chipmunk

Best R&B: Keri Hilson

Best International: Beyonc

Best Video: Beyonc – Single Ladies

Best Reggae: Sean Paul

Best Jazz: Yolanda Brown

Best Gospel: Vic Tizzle

Best African Act: Nneka