Popcaan, Valiant, YG Marley, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Spice are set to compete for the coveted Best Caribbean Music Act title at the 2024 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards.
The nominees were revealed on Wednesday morning, heightening anticipation for the event, which will take place on February 18, 2025, at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena—the first time the awards will be held in this northern UK city.
The Best Caribbean Music Act category, introduced in 2022 as a successor to the longstanding Best Reggae Act category, continues to spotlight diverse Caribbean talent. Among this year’s contenders, Popcaan, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Spice are no strangers to the nomination list, with each earning their third or second nod in this category. Last year’s winner, Valiant, is vying to retain his crown.
Beyond the Caribbean category, the MOBO Awards maintain their legacy as the UK’s premier celebration of Black music and culture. British R&B artist Jorja Smith, who has Jamaican roots, leads this year’s nominations with three nods, alongside other British acts such as Sampha, Bashy, Cleo Sol, Central Cee, and Ghetts.
Reflecting on this year’s nominees, MOBO founder Kanya King shared in a media release:
“Each and every time we unveil the MOBO Awards nominations, I am taken aback by the sheer amount of incredible talent we have in the UK. These distinct, uncompromising voices – across different genres – are not just soundtracks for our days. They provide healing, reflection, and escapism in times of need. A huge congratulations to all our nominees across music, film, television, and entertainment. We look forward to welcoming you in Newcastle!”
The MOBO Awards will also honor achievements in film and television. British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, whose heritage includes Trinidadian roots, has been nominated for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for his portrayal of reggae legend Bob Marley in the upcoming biopic Bob Marley: One Love.
With a lineup celebrating exceptional talent across music and entertainment, the 2024 MOBO Awards are set to be a groundbreaking event.
