In 2020, The MOBO Awards returned for a revolutionary virtual ceremony like no other. Hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz, we were treated to incredible performances from Ms Banks, Headie One feat. M Huncho, Tiana Major9, Young T & Bugsey, Tiwa Savage, H.E.R., Shaybo, Kojey Radical, and Davido. 

London rapper Nines received a whopping five nominations this year and took home the prestigious Album of The Year Award for 'Crabs In A Bucket,' seeing off steep competition from Stormzy, J Hus, Lianne La Havas, and Mahalia. In what felt like the perfect wrap-up to a winning year, which saw him also score his first UK No.1 album, Nines was also crowned Best Hip Hop Act, after first being nominated for this category at the MOBO Awards three years ago.

The ‘King of Drill’ Headie One loomed large at our 2020 ceremony where he took home the coveted Best Male Act award. Mahalia scooped up Best Female Act (in association with ISAWITFIRST) and Best R&B/Soul Act – her first major music awards win following a consistently noteworthy rise in recent years. In the hugely popular public voted categories, Mancunion rapper Aitch won Best Newcomer (in association with Arts Council England) and Nottingham duo Young T & Bugsey took home Song of The Year for their global viral hit ‘Don’t Rush’ (featuring Headie One). 

Nigerian music stars conquered the 2020 MOBO Awards with Burna Boy winning Best International Act and Wizkid scoring Best African Act (in association with Afrozons). MOBO Awards host Chunkz also scooped his first MOBO Award for Best Media Personality, while Micheal Ward also won a MOBO Award for his outstanding performance as Marco in the hit British drama 'Blue Story'. 

Acclaimed British filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen CBE was honoured with a MOBO Inspiration Award. The London-born director behind 12 Years A Slave, Hunger, and Small Axe joins a prestigious line-up of past recipients of this award including Idris Elba OBE. McQueen said: “This is an extraordinary prize. Thank you so much. The MOBO Awards for me is part of the idea of Small Acts. When people didn’t want to recognise us, we recognised ourselves and that’s given me the inspiration to go forward.”