Stormzy leads the 2017 MOBO Awards nominations, which were announced today at YouTube Space London
This year’s MOBO Awards, supported by Leeds City Council and LeedsBID, take place at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on November 29. Performers and broadcast partners will be announced shortly.
Stormzy, whose debut Gang Signs & Prayer has sold over 220,000 copies, is up for five awards: Best Male, Best Grime Act, Best Album, Best Song and Best Video for Big For Your Boots. The grime MC’s already won the MOBO Award for Best Grime Act in 2014 and 2015, and Best Male in 2015.
Former Music Week cover star J Hus has been recognised with four nominations for Best Male, Best Album for Common Sense, Best Song for Did You See and Best Video for Spirit.
R&B singer Jorja Smith picks up three nominations for Best Female, Best R&B/Soul Act and Best Newcomer. In the last 12 months, the 20-year old has featured on Drake’s hit album More Life and supported him on his UK tour.
Rising rap star Stefflon Don – who’s currently aiming for a Top 10 single – makes her MOBO debut with three nods: Best Female, Best Hip Hop Act and Best Newcomer. Mercury Prize winner Sampha receives three nominations for Best Male, Best R&B/Soul Act and Best Album for his Young Turks/XL debut Process.
The MOBO Best Newcomer category features 10 artists, including South London rapper Loyle Carner, who is also nominated for Best Hip Hop and Best Video for The Isle of Arran. Lotto Boyzz also make the Best Newcomer list. Previous Newcomer winners include Craig David (2000), Estelle (2004), Kano (2005), Chip (2008), Tinie Tempah (2010), Jessie J (2011), Rita Ora (2012) and Krept & Konan (2013).
This week it was revealed that the MOBO had reduced the public voting element for this year’s awards.
MOBO AWARDS 2017 NOMINEES
BEST MALE
Bugzy Malone
Chip
Dave
Giggs
J Hus
Maleek Berry
Mostack
Sampha
Skepta
Stormzy
BEST FEMALE
Emeli Sandé
Jessie Ware
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Little Simz
Mabel
Nadia Rose
NAO
Ray BLK
Stefflon Don
BEST ALBUM
J Hus – Common Sense
Nines – One Foot Out
Sampha – Process
Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer
Wretch 32 – Growing Over Life
BEST NEWCOMER
Dave
Jorja Smith
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Loyle Carner
Mabel
Mist
Not3s
Stefflon Don
Yxng Bane
BEST SONG
J Hus Did You See
(Produced by JAE5)
Kojo Funds Feat. Abra Cadabra Dun Talkin’
(Produced by GA)
Not3s Addison Lee
(Produced by Malv On The Track)
Stormzy Big For Your Boots
(Produced by Sir Spyro & Fraser T Smith)
Yungen Feat. Yxng Bane Bestie
(Produced by ADP)
BEST VIDEO
Bossman Birdie Walk The Walk
(Directed by Luke Davies)
J Hus Spirit
(Directed by Hugo Jenkins)
Loyle Carner The Isle Of Arran
(Directed by Georgia Hudson)
Mist Hot Property
(Directed by Oliver Jennings)
Stormzy Big For Your Boots
(Directed by Daps)
BEST HIP HOP ACT
Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Stefflon Don
Wretch 32
BEST GRIME ACT
AJ Tracey
Chip
P Money
Skepta
Stormzy
Wiley
BEST R&B/SOUL ACT
Supported by Mi-Soul
Craig David
Jorja Smith
NAO
Ray BLK
Sampha
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay Z
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Solange Knowles
SZA
Travis Scott
Wizkid
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Davido
Eugy
Juls
Maleek Berry
Mr Eazi
Sarkodie
Tekno
Tiwa Savage
Wande Coal
Wizkid
BEST REGGAE ACT
Aidonia
Alkaline
Chronixx
Damian Marley
Popcaan
BEST JAZZ ACT
Supported by Jazz FM
Cleveland Watkiss
Daymé Arocena
Moses Boyd
Mr Jukes
Terrace Martin
BEST GOSPEL ACT
Supported by Premier Gospel
Lurine Cato
Mali Music
S.O.
Triple O
Volney Morgan & New-Ye
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