FINALISTS RECEIVE INDUSTRY LEADING DEVELOPMENTP ROGRAMME INCLUDING STUDIO TIME, MARKETING, PROMOTION & DISTRIBUTION, LIVE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES, GRANTS, MENTORSHIP, A&R SUPPORT & MORE

NEW ENTRY SYSTEM FOR TIKTOK CREATORS OFFERS THREE WILD CARD PLACES AMONG THE TEN FINALISTS  

APPLY TODAY VIA MOBO.COM/UNSUNG 

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(LONDON - April 19th 2023) MOBO is proud to announce an exciting new chapter for MOBO UnSung, the industry-leading nationwide emerging talent competition and talent development programme for the country’s best unsigned emerging artists producing original work. MOBO and TikTok’s SoundOn unveil a game changing new partnership that will open up entries for the first time to TikTok creators. With the continued backing from partner Marshall and support from PRS Foundation and the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, 2023 will bring through a wider and broader pool of artistic excellence and future superstars.

As the digital partner of MOBO UnSung, TikTok will introduce an exciting new gateway for artists to enter this year’s competition via their app, and once the final ten UnSung Class of 2023 are selected, TikTok’s SoundOn will provide its specialist support to promote the ten finalists.

From today, aspiring applicants can apply via the MOBO UnSung application form, which is live here. Seven applicants will be selected from this traditional application system. To find out more information on the terms and conditions and entry requirements, please click here.

Also, from April 21st, artists will be able to apply for three Wildcard spots via TikTok. To find out more information on the terms and conditions and entry requirements, please refer to TikTok’s platform. 

The seven applicants from the MOBO UnSung application form and the three TikTok Wildcard entries will make the final MOBO UnSung Top 10 Class of 2023. 

The nationwide search for exceptional unsigned talent will culminate with ten finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2023, who will then go on to enter a year-long artist development programme of industry and production workshops, performance and networking opportunities, A&R, mentorship and more facilitated by MOBO and its partners through the unique, industry leading UnSung talent development programme, giving each UnSung finalist the opportunity to make their mark with their music and talent.  

“"We are delighted to launch this unique collaboration and partnership with TikTok’s SoundOn to open up access to MOBO Unsung through its incredible platform. Through this partnership, we aim to grow the offering to the final ten artists, with an absolutely unbeatable industry leading talent development programme across a year, with additional services provided by SoundOn. MOBO continues to provide a unique talent platform and push for more representation, both on-stage and behind the scenes across the creative industries, and crucially through MOBO UnSung dedicated to championing emerging talent at a crucial time in their careers. As the MOBO UnSung programme elevates through this new partnership with TikTok’s SoundOn, there is no doubt that the next music superstars will have a vital creative hub and platform to excel both personally and professionally in music. It will be hugely rewarding to bring through the next batch of the UK’s finest homegrown emerging talent with our powerhouse brands Marshall and TikTok and we can’t wait to get started!” said Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of The MOBO Group. 

"SoundOn is hugely excited to be partnering with MOBO UnSung, using the power of TikTok to give the Class of 2023 an even bigger stage to showcase their talent. For many years, the MOBO UnSung program has unearthed some of the best British talent through the program, serving as a valuable platform for emerging artists breaking into the industry. Together, with Marshall and the PRS Foundation, we're excited to give emerging British talent the platform it deserves, helping new and independent artists share their music with a global community. As SoundOn supports so many emerging independent artists to build their careers, the partnership felt like a natural fit and we're really excited to see how the program unfolds", said Nichal Sethi, Head of Artist Services UK at TikTok

“We at The Marshall Group have always stood behind strong artist development. We understand the importance of nurturing emerging talent and providing them with the support they need to thrive in the music industry. That's why we are thrilled to be a part of the MOBO Unsung program. Marshall is committed to providing the best resources for artists to create and showcase their music. Our state-of-the-art recording facilities, coupled with our team of experienced music industry professionals, are ready to mentor and guide the class of 2023. Here's to a remarkable journey ahead!” said Steve Tannett, Music Director at Marshall. 

The Top 10 MOBO UnSung finalists will receive money-can’t-buy opportunities including one-on-one mentorship, group masterclasses and support with the release, promotion, strategy and distribution of their own music via TikTok’s SoundOn. 

As TikTok's all-in-one music distribution platform, SoundOn supports the development of artists, enabling them to grow their fanbases, harness their creative voice and share their music with a global audience. The finalists will also become part of SoundOn’s community of artists, with whom they can connect and share their experiences with other breakout artists. 

Marshall will continue its on-going support for UnSung artists via access to their world-class recording studio, backing from its Record Label and Live Agency with performance and networking opportunities, as well as use of Marshall’s leading products. 

Other exciting activities and opportunities for the 10 finalists will include editorial support and coverage across Mixtape Madness, one of the country’s leading music discovery platforms within British Rap and surrounding sub-genres, accumulating over 1 million subscribers and 820 million views. Also, Abbey Road Studios will host a songwriting/production masterclass at its state of the art recording studios to further enhance the artist’s creative output. 

The top 10 UnSung finalists will have the chance to access up to £3,000 of financial support as well as business advice to enable them to create new music and share it with the world, through the MOBO Help Musicians’ Fund. The 10 acts will also receive live performance opportunities and on-air radio support across BBC Music Introducing nationwide networks, BBC Radio’s platform dedicated to discovering and supporting new music and emerging talent. 

In line with MOBO ethos, MOBO UnSung aims to motivate, elevate and celebrate emerging talent by providing priceless opportunities which significantly contribute to their personal and creative development whilst improving their understanding of the music industry and increasing representation - as part of MOBO’s growing portfolio of activities that offer additional platforms and opportunities to exceptional talent across the creative industries. MOBO UnSung Alumni include Tiana Major9, Juls, Tion Wayne, Cleo Sol, Jacob Banks, Mic Lowry, #AltMusic featured artist Jordan Adetunji and MOBO Award winner Nadia Rose. 

Entries are open now for MOBO UnSung via mobo.com/unsung, the TikTok Wildcard entry system will open April 21st at 09:00 am, and the deadline for all entries is 23:59 pm on April 28th. 

UnSung fans will be able to join the conversation by using #MOBOUnSung and following @moboofficial on TikTok and @MOBOawards across all other social channels. Fans can also follow the behind the scenes action on @soundon. Plus, in another first, the MOBO UnSung Live showcase will be streamed LIVE exclusively on TikTok - more details to follow in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact [email protected] / [email protected] or visit mobo.com/unsung. 

Notes to editors:

About MOBO Organisation  

Founded in 1996 by Kanya King CBE, for more than 25 years MOBO has been a global leader in championing and celebrating diversity, equality and creativity. MOBO operates 365 days a year to create events, content, partnerships and opportunities for young people in the entertainment industries and beyond. For over 25 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British music industry, celebrating excellence in Black music. Its enduring legacy as the premiere outlet for recognising and honouring the artistic achievement of exceptional British and international talent in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B and Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel and African music has been unparalleled. Driven by cause, culture, creativity and community, MOBO pursues its purpose to uplift and support diverse talent by producing global events and initiatives that offer access to the world’s most inspiring and exciting talent via the iconic MOBO Awards, film screenings, bespoke content creation, plus mentorship and career development programmes via MOBOLISE, a platform to empower diversity, excellence and transformation in the workplace. MOBO Trust, the charity branch of the MOBO organisation established in 2016, also aims to provide life-changing opportunities and support to exceptional talent in music and beyond from disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the initiatives via the MOBO Trust is the MOBO Help Musicians Fund. Since 2017, the MOBO Help Musicians Fund has supported over 50 projects and invested over £500,000 into emerging artists creating music of Black origin. Even better, musicians can now access the MOBO Help Musicians Fund all year round. 

The MOBO Group is currently recruiting for a COO, Business Development & Partnership Manager and Social Media Manager. Please email [email protected] for Job Description and to follow up with CV and covering letter.

About Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification has a vibrant and dynamic history within the music industry and is celebrated by some of the greatest artists in the world. Catapulted from humble beginnings in Hanwell, London, Marshall is now a global brand achieving manufacturing excellence. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the business and every product they create. With over 55 years of music experience, Marshall continues to push the boundaries of possibility for the musicians of the future.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

About SoundOn

SoundOn is an all-in-one marketing and distribution platform, helping creators build a career and grow their audience on TikTok. SoundOn gives creators direct access to the massive, ever-growing audience on TikTok by offering easy-to-use audience development and engagement tools, equitable licensing terms and control over their growing/developing career.

About PRS Foundation

PRS Foundation is the UK's leading charitable funder and since its creation in 2000, PRS Foundation has given more than £41 million in impactful and timely grants to over 8,100 new music initiatives. PRS Foundation supports outstanding talent from all backgrounds, covering the whole of the UK and all genres. Widely respected as an inclusive, collaborative and proactive funding body, PRS Foundation supports an exceptional range of new music activity through direct grants to music creators and through support for pioneering organisations, including venues, festivals, promoters and other talent development organisations.

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