More than Music…

The BeMOBO Award is an award established to honour the hard work and special contribution made by an individual or organisation that orchestrates significant changes via grass roots, educational or community initiatives.

In 2010 the BeMOBO award focused on the North West* of England, allowing for a greater spotlight to be shone on this area of the UK. 

BeMOBO Winner 2010:

Merseyside Dance Initiative 

Merseyside Dance Initiative (MDI) aims to inspire the people of Merseyside through dance and provide access and support to all those who engage in dance activity including artists, participants and audiences. In an effort to teach the people of Merseyside and the North West about the importance of dance as a way to achieve the five ways to Wellbeing, MDI has developed a number of projects including: Education, Early years, Merseyside Youth Dance Company, Dance & Health, African Peoples Dance, and LEAP Year of Dance.

2010 BeMOBO Runners Up: 

Eric Noi 

England boxing star and part of the 1992 British Olympic squad Eric Noi has become a role model outside the ring. Eric runs the Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre as a community project where everyone is welcome regardless of experience or background.

The project is a joint venture between Oldham DAAT and Eric with the purpose of merging active sport participation with both academic and vocational learning. At Oldham Boxing there is access to computers, advice and support to help individuals achieve their goals and ambitions, whatever they may be. They run various courses and personal development programs within the community and over the past year have partnered with a number of local schools to offer training and development to an even wider range of people. 

Liverpool Young Writers aka The Cipher

Established in 2007, Liverpool Young Writers Project has produced a core group of spoken word performers collectively called The Cipher. Taking inspiration from forms of popular youth culture such as rap, MC’ing and freestyling and grime, this project aims to develop writing and public speaking/performance skills, promote creative and positive behaviours while reducing anti-social behaviour, and promote the value of education.

Cipher has performed with Sway, Skinnyman, KOF, Bashy, Akala and Lowkey. Most recently one member became a Slambassador Spoken Word Champion. All members of The Cipher have benefited hugely from this project and are now seen as young role models in Merseyside.