London Defender

The Daily Mirror of the Great Britain

MOBO Awards: See the full list of winners as Tion Wayne and Russ Millions claim song of the year

Musicians including Dave, Little Simz, and Ghetts have been honoured at this year’s MOBO Awards.

The ceremony, which showcases the best black music in the UK, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, also hailed London rapper Central Cee as the best drill act.

Rapper Dave won album of the year after picking up the most MOBO nominations for his critically-acclaimed second album, We’re All Alone in This Together.

Little Simz won her first award as best female act, while Ghetts won the best male act, at the 24th annual ceremony.

MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King explained the introduction of the new drill category to Sky News: “What’s important is for the MOBOs to be a driver of progress and to really celebrate the music that young people are into.

“Drill is a dominant genre, and we wanted to be able to celebrate the artistry.”

Drill has been blamed by authorities for encouraging youth violence, a claim refuted by Big Narstie, who said in 2018 that it is “unfair” that the genre was being linked to stabbings and shootings in the capital.

More on Mobo

In the same year, the Metropolitan Police ordered YouTube to remove at least 30 drill videos from its platform, claiming they incited gang violence.

The MOBO Awards 2021 were streamed on YouTube from 8pm on Sunday, with Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock and comedian Munya Chawawa hosting this year’s show.

Dave (Dave Santan) performs live at Radio 1's Future Festival live recording at Maida Vale Studios, London. Photo date: Tuesday 17th January 2017. Photo credit should read: David Jensen/PA Archive
Image: Dave won album of the year

The full list of winners:

Album of the year – Dave We’re All Alone In This Together

Best male act – Ghetts

Best female act – Little Simz

Best newcomer – Central Cee

Song of the year – Tion Wayne and Russ Millions featuring Arrdee, Bugzy Malone, Buni, Darkoo, E1, Fivio Foreign and ZT – Body

Video of the year – Lagga – M1llionz

Best grime act – Skepta

Best R&B/soul act – Cleo Sol

Best hip hop act – D Block Europe

Best drill act – Central Cee

Best international act – WizKid

Best performance in a TV show/film – Micheal Ward as Franklyn in Small Axe

Best media personality – Chunkz and Yung Filly

Best gospel act – Guvna B

Best African act – Wizkid

Best reggae act – Shenseea

Best jazz act – Sons Of Kemet

Best producer – JAE5