The UK’s most prestigious celebration of Black music and culture – the MOBO Awards – have announced their 2021 winners, with Wizkid winning two laurels at the live show extravaganza on Sunday 5 December at Coventry Building Society Arena.
The Nigerian afrobeats superstar emerged winner of the “Best African Music Act” and “Best International Act” categories respectively – becoming the first African artiste to win from the most coveted categories in one night. In a keenly contested category, he defeated Drake, Kanye West, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Polo G to pickup the latter.
With the past 20 months having been extremely challenging for artists everywhere – creatives rising up and adapt, even in a global pandemic – Wizkid has not only shown resilience but incredible talent and range.
The ceremony returned as a live show – held at Coventry Building Society Arena – for the first time since 2017, after there were no awards in 2018 and 2019 and only a virtual ceremony in 2020. Hosted by Munya Chawawa and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, it featured live performances by Ghetts, Pa Salieu, Stefflon Don and Ms Banks, Bree Runway, Potter Payper, Tems, NSG and Enny.
Mobo winners 2021
Album of the year: Dave – We’re All Alone in This Together
Best female act: Little Simz
Best male act: Ghetts
Best newcomer: Central Cee
Song of the year: Tion Wayne & Russ Millions – Body (remix feat ArrDee, Bugzy Malone, Buni, Darkoo, E1, Fivio Foreign & ZT)
Video of the year: M1llionz – Lagga (directed by Teeeezy C)
Best grime act: Skepta
Best R&B/soul act: Cleo Sol
Best hip-hop act: D Block Europe
Best drill act: Central Cee
Best international act: Wizkid
Best performance in a TV show/film: Michael Ward – Franklyn in Small Axe
Best media personality: Chunkz & Yung Filly
Best gospel act: Guvna B
Best African music act: Wizkid
Best reggae act: Shenseea
Best jazz act: Sons of Kemet
Best producer: Jae5
