The winners for the 2024 MOBO Awards were announced on Wednesday, with both Stormzy and Raye among those honoured despite skipping the ceremony.
During the night, Stormzy and Little Simz took home one gong each, despite receiving the joint most amount of nods ahead of the ceremony.
Stormzy’s gong was for Best Video for his song Mel Made Me Do It, which was dedicated to his stylist Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoem.
However missed out in the other categories he was nominated for, which were Best Male Act, Album of The Year and Song of The Year.
The widely celebrated MC has won six MOBO Awards in his career, and was the first ever recipient of Best Grime Act when the category was introduced in 2014.
Stormzy was among the big winners at the 2024 MOBO Awards on Wednesday night, scooping the gong for Best Video despite being absent from the ceremony
Acclaimed rapper Little Simz took the win in the Best Hip Hop Act category, however she did not pick up the gongs for Best Female Act, Album Of The Year or Video of The Year
The Best Male Act went to British rapper Central Cee, who also beat Dave, D-Block Europe, J Hus, and Nines.
Central Cee’s name was also in the mix for Song of The Year (supported by BBC Radio 1xtra) and Best Drill Act, however he missed out on both.
Acclaimed rapper Little Simz took the win in the Best Hip Hop Act category, however she did not pick up the gongs for Best Female Act, Album Of The Year or Video of The Year, where she was also nominated.
Raye was recognised in the Best Female Act category, after she was chosen ahead of Flo, Jorja Smith, Mahalia and Pinkpatheress.
The win could be the first of many for the singer in the coming weeks, after she was nominated for a historic seven BRIT Awards ahead of the ceremony next month.
Simz won big at last year’s ceremony in London, taking Album of the Year in a joint win with Knucks, which saw a tie for the first time in MOBO history.
The coveted Album Of The Year award was won this year by British rapper and songwriter Potter Payper for his record Real Back In Style.
MOBO Founder Kanya King CBE said: ‘We are proud to champion this year’s incredible lineup of nominees for the 26th MOBO Awards, who have all brought stellar music and content to our attention through their remarkable work in music, film, TV, online and more.
Raye was recognised in the Best Female Act category, just weeks after receiving a historic seven nominations at the BRIT Awards (pictured in September)
The coveted Album Of The Year award was won this year by British rapper and songwriter Potter Payper for his record Real Back In Style
The new Paving The Way Award was given to Jessica Ennis-Hill
Shygirl was in attendance to accept her award for Best Electronic/Dance Act
Jazzie B of Soul II Soul accepted the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award
Two years after surprising fans with news of their reunion, The Sugababes were in attendance to accept the Impact Award
Ghetts accepted the inaugural Pioneer Award
‘Since 1996, we’ve celebrated Black music and culture, breaking new ground and leading the way, seeing MOBO evolve and innovate to champion outstanding talent beyond music.
‘This year’s nominees not only represent the best of their genre and artform and an incredible year of music, but also continue our dedication to sustaining an inclusive ecosystem where diverse talent is both recognised and empowered to thrive.
‘With the advancement of our MOBO UnSung talent programme and career development platform MOBOLISE, we are ready and excited to take our pioneer status to the next level, to celebrate and recognise the vast contributions of trailblazing musicians and cultural heroes, in a way that only MOBO can. See you on February 7th!’
Performances from Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, DJ Spoony, Cristale, and Byron M entertained guests during the ceremony.
As well as the existing Paving The Way and Lifetime Achievement Award, MOBO also introduced the MOBO Impact and MOBO Pioneer Award.
The Lifetime Achievement award was given to Soul II Soul, while the Impact Award was won by the Sugababes.
The new Paving The Way Award was given to Jessica Ennis-Hill and the Pioneer Award was won by Ghetts.
Following the news of Simz’s win, it’s been reported that she’s close to reaching millionaire status, with new accounts showing assets in her firm Little Simz LLP had risen to £946,187.
Documents obtained by The Sun show Simz earned around £18,000 per week last year, after setting up the company to manage income from music and live performances, as well as book and acting royalties.
The 26th MOBO Awards: Access All Areas special, hosted by DJ Target, airs this Friday 9 February on BBC One, 11.30PM.