MOBO UnSung is a nationwide search for exceptional unsigned talent culminates in 10 finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2018, who then go on to enter a year-long artist development program of industry and production workshops, performance and networking opportunities, guidance, etc. facilitated by MOBO and its partners through this compelling programme giving them the opportunity to make their mark with their music. The winner and two finalists will further receive a grant towards their work, alongside studio time, mentoring, production support and A&R.
After a difficult decision due to the high level of entrants, we have decided to increase the MOBO UnSung Class of 2018 to 11 finalists:
ESTÉE BLU - R&B/Soul/Blues/Jazz Artist from London
FONZIE - Solo Hip Hop Artist from London
FRED FREDAS - Hip Hop Artist from London
GRAFT - Hip Hop/R&B/Dancehall/Reggae Artist from Leeds
HARRIS HAMEED - R&B/Soul Artist from Leeds/London
IKE CHUKS - Solo Hip Hop/Pop/Spoken Word Artist from London
JORDZ THE JAY - R&B artist from London
KRIS EVANS - Solo Hip Hop Artist from Manchester
MARIKA - Solo R&B/Soul Artist from London
SAKYI 4 - R&B Group from London
SUELILY - R&B Artist from London
To find out more about our finalists, please click here.
One of our key objectives for MOBO UnSung is to champion emerging talent, especially those from diverse backgrounds, so we are proud to see our widest range of applicants in terms of location, genre and artist type to date.
MOBO UnSung 2018 Stats:
Type of artist
• Solo Artist - 87.5%
• Band/Group - 6.5%
• Producer - 4.5%
• Poet - 1.5%
Location
• London - 57.9%
• Other - 42.1%
Top 5 locations for those who applied outside of London
• Birmingham - 10.9%
• Manchester - 8.9%
• Leeds - 4.6%
• Liverpool - 3.9%
• Glasgow - 1.7%
Genre (applicants could tick more than one box):
• Hip Hop/Grime - 31.5%,
• R&B/Soul - 28%,
• Pop - 13%
• Afrobeats - 10%,
• Dancehall - 5.5%
• Reggae - 3%
• Gospel - 3%
• Jazz - 3%,
• Spoken Word - 3%,
• Blues - 1%
Gender
• Male - 65.5%,
• Female - 33.5%,
• Other - 1.0%