The MOBO Awards, the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, are coming to Sheffield.
This year’s ceremony is set to kick off the 2024 awards season, coming to the Utilita Arena Sheffield on 7 February 2024 for its incredible 26th year.
Tickets are on sale now from www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.
Sheffield’s unique blend of industrial history, diverse and welcoming communities, natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and a strong sense of community is what makes it so special. The city is the perfect place to continue the tradition of bringing the MOBO Awards and the exceptional music, talent and culture to cities and regions UK-wide.
With a commitment to delivering an exceptional show for fans, viewers at home, and artists, the event has moved from its usual date and will be taking place in early 2024 to ensure a memorable celebration of black music and culture.
Recent years have seen hosts Chunkz and Yung Filly, Maya Jama and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, as well as performers Nile Rodgers, Craig David, Cat Burns, Cardi B, Davido, Tems and many others.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to Sheffield early next year and welcome thousands of people to celebrate music of Black origin at one of Europe’s biggest music award ceremonies. With Sheffield’s rich musical history and our reputation for hosting major events, we’re proud to recognise and honour exceptional British and international talent across a range of genres. Music runs through our blood and this partnership with MOBO and Utilita Arena Sheffield is another example of our ambition for this city and an opportunity for us to celebrate our diverse music and culture. 2024 will be a big year for Sheffield and we cannot wait to roll out the red carpet.”
Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development & Skills Committee, said:
“We are so proud that Sheffield is a city known for hosting major events, with the MOBOs joining the likes of UEFA Women’s Euros, Rugby League World Cup and more, as well as our extremely popular satellite events for Eurovision, the Queen’s Jubilee and King’s Coronation. Events such as these provide a significant economic boost to Sheffield and the wider region and we hope to work with MOBO to ensure there is a legacy for South Yorkshire’s diverse communities. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to Sheffield and showcase everything our city has to offer.”
MOBO Founder, Kanya King CBE, said:
“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 twenty sixth 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.”
Dom Stokes, General Manager at Utilita Arena Sheffield, said:
“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to host such a prestige event as the MOBO Awards at our iconic venue. Our incredible venue was in fact the first purpose-built arena in the UK and for over 30 years now has been an integral part of Live Music DNA locally, nationally and internationally. This event will add to our amazing fabric of history and heritage of delivering exceptional events year after year for the city of Sheffield.”
MOBO is proud to partner with the BBC for the fourth consecutive year. BBC One will broadcast a special behind-the-scenes show, which will include exclusive backstage content, never-before-seen performances and interviews from the award ceremony. More details of the live-stream and broadcast to be announced.
For a quarter of the century, MOBO has been proudly celebrating and elevating black music in the UK. Its 26-year legacy has seen MOBO be pivotal in supporting the growth of British Black music on a global scale, championing homegrown talent, and setting the standard in Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Grime, Drill, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, African music, Electronic/Dance, Alternative music and beyond.
Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, the exceptional homegrown talent like Stormzy, Dave, Little Simz, Skepta, Kano, Headie MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the UK and its iconic trophy now one of the highest accolades in music. In recent years, it has honoured trailblazers and One, Stefflon Don, Mahalia, Central Cee, J Hus, Ezra Collective and more. Recognising its unique position in Black British popular culture, MOBO in recent years have also expanded beyond music to celebrate talent in the arts and media. It awarded an Inspirational Award to Hollywood star Idris Elba and acclaimed British filmmaker Steve McQueen, Best Media Personality to Chunkz and Yung Filly, and Best Performance In A TV Show/Film to Kane Robinson (Kano) at last year’s ceremony
Global superstars who have been part of the Awards include Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Sade, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Diddy, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Usher, Rihanna, Cardi B, Davido and H.E.R. just to name a few.