Glasgow 'not too white' to host Mobo awards

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 16:26

THE organisers of the Mobo music awards today defended the decision to move the award ceremony to Glasgow.

Founder Kanya King hit back at claims that the city was "too white" and not "sexy" enough to host the show, which celebrates black music.

Tomorrow's show will be the first time the awards have been held outside London.

But the decision has been attacked and a host of stars nominated for awards have deserted the ceremony.

Eminem, Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Akon and Mariah Carey will not appear at the SECC in Glasgow, despite being nominated.

Home-grown stars such as triple chart topper Dizzee Rascal and Alesha Dixon are also not expected to appear.

Former Mobo panellist Paul McKenzie said the city was "not a big draw" for big-name artists.

He told the Daily Record newspaper: "Glasgow just isn't sexy and it's a very white city.

"Even Leeds, Cardiff or Birmingham would have made more sense."

But speaking at a Mobo launch party in the city today, King insisted that moving the awards to Scotland was the right decision.

"I am absolutely exhilarated to be here. It's fantastic," she said.

"I have been to the venue and the stage looks amazing. All the artists are arriving now and we're just warming up.

"Glasgow is full of great music. Glasgow is sexy.

"We have got all the coolest stars coming here. There is real passion for music here.

"We are going to show them sexy, we are going to show them cool, we are going to show them passion."

The 14th annual awards will be co-hosted by Radio 1's Reggie Yates and US R'n'B act Keri Hilson, with the winners chosen by public vote.

This year's ceremony will pay tribute to Michael Jackson, with Latoya and Jermaine Jackson performing on stage in memory of their brother.

"There is no other tribute happening in this country," King said.

"It's fantastic that all the artists are able to give a special mention to Michael, who influenced so many people's lives."