In the lead-up to the highly anticipated MOBO Awards on Tuesday 18 February, Newcastle will come alive with The MOBO Fringe - a five-day festival of culture, community, and creativity. For the first time, the MOBO Awards, the UK’s premier celebration of Black music and culture, will take place in Newcastle, marking a historic moment for the city and the wider North East region. 

The MOBO Fringe festival will take place from Thursday 13 February until Monday 17 February - a dynamic and inclusive programme to showcase the richness of Black music and culture in the North East while creating meaningful opportunities for local talent and communities, in the run-up to the iconic MOBO Awards.

In collaboration with Newcastle City Council, MOBO and partners Generator, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Glow, Northern Roots, Nrthrn Baby, Tyneside Cinema, World Headquarters and Sister Shack, with the support of over 50 community and industry representatives across the city aiming to inspire young creatives and highlight the exceptional talent in the North East, the Fringe will combine live performances, workshops, industry summits, and community-led initiatives to leave a lasting legacy for the region.

Check out all of the MOBO Fringe listings below, book your event tickets and sign up for workshops now!

BLACK MUSIC SUMMIT TIMETABLE

The MOBO Music Summit is an opportunity for music creators and industry professionals based in the Northeast and the North generally to connect with industry, connect with each other, and access real, up-to-date and relevant information from the people driving our industry. On the day, we'll be hearing from top industry professionals, acclaimed and award-winning music creators, and industry leaders.

There will also be networking opportunities throughout the event The event is for emerging music creators and industry professionals of any age who want to progress their careers, learn more and make new connections!

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY, IMPACT, AND FUTURE OF BLACK MUSIC

SPACE BY SPACE BREAKDOWN:

Sage 2

12:30 – 13:30 Panel: Getting Seen and Heard

The panel share their expertise and insights about the fine art of getting your music heard and getting you seen.

Featuring Donae’O (Artist), Kay Greyson (Artist), Hyperfrank (Journalist), Dotun Bolaji (Booking Agent at Primary Talent), Anya Du Suazay (Warner Music)

Hosted by Daps (Artist)

13:45 – 14:45 Panel: Independently Done

Independence is now the way the majority of artists have to, and often choose to, progress in their careers. This panel of successful independent artists and industry professionals give their top tips.

Featuring Amahla (Artist), Simba Shore (Artist), Cat Park (Promotions)

Hosted by Shakk (BBC Introducing North East)

15:00 – 16:00 Panel: Build Your TRiBE

Our panellists break down how building, connecting, nurturing and satisfying a core audience, can make your career and a business a sustainable one.

Featuring Azula Bandit (Artist / DJ / Multi-hyphenate), Simi Agbaje (The Blues Project), Gabriel Day (WHQ), Scully (Broadcaster & Commentator), Alanna Henry (Jazz re:freshed)

Hosted by Wayne McDonald

16:15 – 17:00 Elijah Presentation

Music culture, thought leader and multi-hyphenate Elijah shares his insights on music, culture and the industry.

C19

12:30 – 13:30 Songwriting Masterclass

In this exclusive session, participants will be guided through the song writing process by the award-winning songwriter, Michelle Escoffery

15:00 – 16:00 Collections and Funding Workshop

Representatives from the key royalty collection organisations and funders of new music come together to help you understand how to get the money you have earned and find the money you need.

Featuring Bertina Luza (PPL), Lloyd Francis and Kenny Barber (PRS Foundation), Amil Raja (Help Musicians)

Hosted by Chyaro Hylton (Generator)

C10

12:30 – 13:30 / 13:45 – 14:45 / 15:00 – 16:00 Demo Listening Sessions

A mix of music media and industry professionals give helpful tips and feedback on your music.

Featuring Josh Daniel (Interval Records), Kayah Hazall (BBC Radio 1Xtra / BBC Music Introducing), Shakk (BBC Music Introducing), Channette Carleo (KISS FM), Sheniece Charway (Youtube Music), Hyperfrank (Journalist), JP (Trench / Complex)

Barbour Room

12:30 – 13:30 CULTURAL CONVERSATION 1: RE-CLAIMING SOUNDS OF BLACK MUSIC

A progressive discussion about defining Black music genres and reclaiming Black music sounds.

Featuring Kwame Safo / FunkButcher (Journalist & Cultural Commentator), Paulette Long (UK Music Diversity Board), Alt-Blk-Era - Nyrobi and Chaya (Band)

Moderator: Phil Davids (The Glasshouse)

13:45 – 14:45 CULTURAL CONVERSATION 2: CREATING SAFE SPACES IN THE INDUSTRY  

A progressive discussion about the need for and importance of Safe Spaces in the Music Industry for under-represented music creators and industry professionals.

Featuring Azula Bandit (Artist / DJ / Multi-hyphenate), Char Grant (Black Music Coalition & Debrief)

Moderator: Chantal Herbert (Sister Shack CIC)

15:00 – 16:00 CULTURAL CONVERSATION 3: BLACK MUSIC AND PROGRESSION UP NORTH

A progressive discussion about Black Music in the North of the UK and its progression, challenges and opportunities.

Featuring Nadedja (Artist), Andrew Ogun (Arts Council Wales Agent of Change), Dr. Hannabiell Sanders (Academic / Artist), Josh Daniel (Interval Records), Chiedu Oraka (Artist)

Moderator: Leila d'Aronville

16:15 – 17:00 In Conversation: Corinne Bailey Rae

The award-winning singer-songwriter shares her thoughts on the path to success, artistic liberation, career sustainability and legacy.

Hosted by Michelle Escoffrey

THIS SUMMIT CELEBRATES THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF BLACK
MUSIC IN A DAY PACKED WITH LEARNING, DEMO LISTENING SESSIONS AND
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS. DON'T MISS OUT!