Next year’s MOBO Awards are moving to Sheffield for the first time ever

This time last year, Bob Vylan picked up the first-ever Best Alternative Music Act award at the MOBOs, following a successful campaign from Nova Twins to launch said category. And the greatest British artists and bands will be fighting it out for the prize once again in February – but this time they’ll be doing so in Sheffield.

The huge awards show – which celebrates Black music and culture – has announced that it’s moving venues for its biggest party ever, taking place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on February 7, 2024. Performers, honourees, nominees and more will be announced very soon, but in the meantime founder Kanya King CBE says of the move: “MOBO are excited to be kicking off the 2024 Awards season and heading to the city of Sheffield for the very first time for the 26th MOBO Awards.

“For the past 14 years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside of London – including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, and now Sheffield. Our desire to bring MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite massive talent from a local and global level, as well as fans, to deliver an iconic music experience rooted in celebrating Black music’s present and future, as well as elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change.

“Now in its 26th year, the MOBO Awards continues its reign as the ultimate platform to showcase creativity, culture, and excellence. As we prepare to celebrate a few cultural milestones next year, the groundbreaking work MOBO does to empower and uplift underrepresented talent beyond the stage will also be at the forefront. Prepare for an unmissable night of iconic performances and surprises as we celebrate artistic excellence, MOBO’s enduring legacy, and a game changing future.”

As well as the more recently launched Best Alternative Music Act (plus Best Dance/Electronic Act), the MOBOs celebrates rap, hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, gospel, jazz, reggae and African music.

Read this: Bob Vylan: “If you feel like you can’t say something on an elevated platform, you probably shouldn’t have said it in the first place”