Sheffield prepares to host Mobos for first time

The Sugababes will be performing live at the event on Wednesday

Sheffield is gearing up to host the 26th Mobo awards later, the first time the prestigious event has been held in the city.

The awards ceremony, which celebrates the best of black British music and culture, will be held at the city's Utilita Arena.

It will be only the third time the Mobos have been held in Yorkshire, having previously been hosted in Leeds on two occasions.

The Sugababes are among the acts due to perform at the event, where they will be given an award recognising their contribution to music over two decades.

Soul II Soul are expected to play at the Mobo awards ceremony in Sheffield

Soul II Soul, DJ Spoony, Cristale and grime star Ghetts are among the other acts lined up to perform on Wednesday night.

A Mobos fringe event was held at the city's famous Crucible Theatre on Monday to celebrate the best emerging local musical acts and artists.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield at the event, singer Lavelle said: "I think it's perfect the Mobos are coming to Sheffield. It's come at the right time.

"I think it's going to shed some light on what's going on in Sheffield.

"It's going to be a sick night out and everyone's really excited for it," she added.

Nile Rodgers was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the last Mobos in London

Founded in 1996, the music of black origin awards have championed artists from a range of genres such as grime, hip hop and R&B.

The 25th Mobo Awards were held in London in 2022 and were hosted by YouTubers Chunkz and Yung Filly.

Knucks, Dreya Mac, Little Simz and PinkPantheress were among the big winners alongside Nile Rodgers, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

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