Kanya King MBE, MOBO Awards Founder and CEO, took to the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage during Leeds Carnival to announce MOBO making its Leeds debut on 4^thNovember 2015 

With the promise of a big announcement at the Leeds Carnival, thousands of festival goers were invited to the main stage and greeted by an enormous banner drop revealing the news that the First Direct Arena in Leeds will be the next destination for the Awards and will welcome some of the biggest names in the international urban music scene.

Supporting the announcement, 2014 MOBO winner Ella Eyre commented “On the same weekend I launch my debut album ‘Feline’ I am very excited to announce I will be performing at the MOBO Awards in Leeds on 4^th November! After winning my MOBO Best Newcomer Award last year, I can’t wait to be back on the MOBO Award stage in 2015. See you there LEEDS!”

Since the opening of its entertainment venue, First Direct Arena in 2012, Leeds has been keen to confirm the MOBO Awards as a showcase event for the City and Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council said “It’s a massive coup for Leeds to be hosting the MOBO Awards and a huge endorsement of our status as a city that celebrates culture and diversity.

“I can’t think of a better way to make this prestigious announcement than at the carnival, which for so long has been one of the most dynamic and exciting events in our cultural calendar and a passionate celebration of both community and heritage.”

At the announcement, King commented “There couldn’t have been a better year for Leeds to play host to the MOBO Awards, the year they bid for their city to become the European Capital of Culture.  We are thrilled to announce that our 20^th show will be in this great city in its beautiful arena and we look forward to delivering a spectacular and very dynamic show that will be remembered for years to come to inspire the next generation of upcoming talent.”

Over its twenty year reign as the biggest celebration of urban music, MOBO has attracted an enviable host of international talent to its stages across the country including Rhianna, Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, P. Diddy, Destiny’s Child, Black Eyed Peas and more recently Jessie J, Sam Smith, Rita Ora and Ella Eyre. 

The performers’ line-up will be announced in the weeks to come. Whilst the extended MOBO Music Panel are deciding on this year’s nominees,  the nationwide public will be invited to vote for their favourite talent from 30^th September 2015 with all to be revealed in Leeds on 4^th November.

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Arena tickets will be going on sale from 9am on Thursday 3rd September via www.mobo.com

EDITOR’S NOTES

About MOBO Organisation

The MOBO Organisation was established in 1996 by Kanya King MBE to recognise the outstanding achievements of artists in musical genres ranging from soul and reggae to hip hop, grime and afrobeats. It is now Europe’s leading urban music brand.

The MOBO Organisation has evolved into far more than just an awards show, supporting both emerging  and established talent all year round as it pursues its mission to identify, facilitate, elevate and celebrate the next generation of creative talent.