Pbleepd at the MOBOS Launch

Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by Ashley Marc in Events

Wednesday night saw the return of the highly anticipated MOBO awards nomination ceremony, hosted in the plush confines of the aptly titled Crystal room (a huge crystal chandelier was a focal point in the room) inside the swanky Mayfair Hotel.

The paparazzi were clamouring outside the entrance of the venue hoping to get a sneak a peak at the cream of the UK music scene. Including current teen sensation Chipmunk (who scooped the gong for best newcomer last year and is expected to feature heavily @ the awards this year after being nominated in an impressive 4 categories), Tinchy Stryder who is still riding high in the charts after celebrating his 2nd number 1 and reality show rejects come chart topping favourites JLS (who were practically mobbed outside by the paps and a few screaming girls who made the journey to the nominations looking for the chance to get some “celebrity” attention).

On entering the main room, pbleepd of course arriving fashionably late, you could see that event founder Kanya King had made sure that no expense was spared in ensuring that both press and VIP guests were looked after, as we were greeted with a glass of champagne and treated to Jerk Chicken, Fish and festival canapés.

A step away from the sometimes pretentious element of networking with some of London’s finest, the atmosphere was welcoming and the conversation throughout the room was flowing as freely as the alcohol. It didn’t take long for me to bump into the celebrities inside with former British cruiserweight boxing champion David Haye making an imposing silhouette by the bar, surprise guest Wiley socialising with Skepta, the N’Dubz trio rollin with “that guy with glasses” and Big Brother’s Noirin trying to stay relevant.

Kanya King & Ashley Marc

Kanya King eventually kicked off the event with a quick introduction to what MOBO’s was about and by applauding those UK acts who had taken MOBO music into the mainstream this year and pushed the scene forward, with particular nods to Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke & Dizzee Rascal (none of whom were present), along with the names I have previously mentioned. She then handed over the reigns to the more than capable hands of the nights host Reggie Yates.

After EVENTUALLY shooshing the rapturous crowd he brought JLS to the stage to introduce the nominations for the BEST UK ACT (check the bottom of the page for the list of nominees). They managed to get through this without any trouble except for prematurely revealing that they were nominated for 2 awards.

Next up was Bashy to perform his new single “Your wish is my command” with Estelle’s sister H-Boogie. As ever Bashy delivered an energetic and entertaining performance (check out the music video on the pbleepd blog). Reggie then hopped back onto the stage to introduce Britain’s Eurovision song contest representative Jade Ewen. She performed a flawless rendition of her song “My Man”.

I hate to be abrupt but… Well… That was pretty much it!

Reggie re-appeared to direct our attention to a big screen where the other nominations flashed up briefly and then it was time to go. Although nobody left since there was still time to drink the bar dry of the free champagne and Patron that was in abundance.

Overall an enjoyable evening with a great atmosphere and a wealth of celebrities present. MOBO’s looks like it is regaining its appeal among journalists and the general public with its strong recognition of the young crop of British artists coming through. I’m looking forward to the awards in September. See you in Glasgow.

FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS

BEST UK ACT
Alesha Dixon
Bashy
Beverley Knight
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
DJ Ironik
Donae’o
Mr. Hudson
N-Dubz
Tinchy Stryder

BEST UK NEWCOMER
Alexandra Burke
Jade Ewen
JLS
Laura Izibor
Master Shortie

BEST R&B / SOUL ACT
Beverley Knight
Ciara
Jeremih
Keri Hilson
Lemar

BEST HIP HOP ACT
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
Drake
Eminem
Kanye West

BEST VIDEO
‘Bonkers’ - Dizzee Rascal
‘Boy Does Nothing’ - Alesha Dixon
‘Diamond Rings’ - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande
‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)’ - Beyonce
‘Supernova’ - Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Akon
Beyonce
Ciara
Drake
Eminem
Jay Z
Kanye West
Keri Hilson
Lady Gaga
Mariah Carey

BEST SONG
‘Beat Again’ – JLS
‘Diamond Rings’ - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande
‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ - K.I.G. Family
‘Number One’ - Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz
‘Strong Again’ - N-Dubz

BEST ALBUM
‘808s and Heartbreaks’ - Kanye West
‘Catch 22′ - Tinchy Stryder
‘Catch Me If You Can’ – Bashy
‘I Am… Sasha Fierce’ - Beyonce
‘Uncle B’ - N-Dubz

BEST REGGAE
Movado
Sean Paul
Serani
Tarrus Riley
Vybz Kartel

BEST JAZZ ACT
Diana Krall
Herbie Hancock
Madeleine Peyroux
Melody Gardot
Yolanda Brown

BEST AFRICAN ACT
Amadou and Mariam
Baaba Maal
EideeFemi Kuti
K’Naan
Lira
Mujava
Nneka
Oumou Sangare
Salif Kelta

BEST GOSPEL ACT
Desire to Worship God
Kiki Sheard
Mary Mary
New Direction
Crew

Destination Scotland! Join us for the 14th MOBO Awards - 30th September 2009 - SECC Glasgow. To buy general tickets for show news, VIP tickets and more visit www.mobo.com

Tags: Highlight