Alt

 

The MOBO Awards were launched in 1996 and were the first black awards show in Europe. The Awards attract the largest prime time multicultural audience and boast broadcast access to over 250 million people. The MOBO Awards have paved the way for other outlets of urban music such as MTV Base, BBC Radio 1Xtra and Channel U, which before MOBO did not exist. The MOBO Awards were created to represent music (of black origin) and urban culture, and the music is used as a symbol for the black experience as a whole. The MOBO Awards aimed to reward those with talent and determination, not just with accolades but also financially, as well as honouring the past and inspiring the future. MOBO is young, social, driven and positive and the brand stands for integrity, passion, faith, achievement and making a difference.

The first Awards took place as a sedate sit-down dinner at London's Connaught Rooms, and recognised the talents of artists such as The Fugees, Tupac, Goldie, Seal and Teddy Riley. Then-leader of the opposition Tony Blair was present as we marked the start of something very new indeed. 

 

  • BEST ALBUM

    Winner: Goldie

    Album: Timeless

  • BEST SINGLE

    Winner: Gabrielle

    Song: Give Me A Little More Time

  • BEST NEWCOMER

    Winner: Peace by Piece

  • BEST VIDEO

    Winner: Tupac Shakur Feat. Dr. Dre

    Video: California Love

  • BEST HIP HOP ACT

    Winner: Blak Twang

  • BEST R&B ACT

    Winner: Mark Morrison

  • BEST REGGAE ACT

    Winner: Peter Hunningale

  • BEST GOSPEL ACT

    Winner: New Colours

  • BEST JAZZ ACT

    Winner: Courtney Pine

  • BEST DANCE ACT

    Winner: Baby D

  • BEST JUNGLE ACT

    Winner: Goldie

  • BEST DJ

    Winner: Trevor Nelson

  • BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

    Winner: The Fugees

  • BEST INTERNATIONAL SINGLE

    Winner: The Fugees

    Song: Killing Me Softly

  • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BLACK MUSIC

    Winner: Jazzie B

  • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

    Winner: Lionel Richie