Stormzy, the Croydon grime rapper who topped the charts with his debut album and found a high-profile fan in Jeremy Corbyn, is leading the Mobo nominations this year – he has five.
He is nominated for best male artist, album, song, video and grime act. J Hus, who overcame a serious knife attack in 2015 to reach the Top 10 in both the UK album and singles charts, scored the second highest number of nominations, with four. Two female breakthrough artists, rapper Stefflon Don and R&B singer Jorja Smith received three nominations each.
The Mobos, which celebrate “music of black origin” in the UK, are now in their 22nd year, and reflect a time when the country’s black music is in rude health, with thriving rap and Afrobeats scenes alongside the long-resurgent grime. As well as their considerable commercial success, Stormzy, J Hus and thrice-nominated rapper Loyle Carner were each also nominated for the prestigious Mercury prize this year. Sampha, who won the prize, is nominated for three Mobos, while other artists who have scored Top 10 albums, including Giggs, Bugzy Malone and Skepta, all also scored multiple Mobo nominations.
The awards ceremony takes place at Leeds First Direct Arena on 29 November.
Mobo nominations 2017 in full
Best male
Bugzy Malone
Chip
Dave
Giggs
J Hus
Maleek Berry
Mostack
Sampha
Skepta
Stormzy
Best female
Emeli Sandé
Jessie Ware
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Little Simz
Mabel
Nadia Rose
NAO
Ray BLK
Stefflon Don
Best album
J Hus – Common Sense
Nines – One Foot Out
Sampha – Process
Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer
Wretch 32 – Growing Over Life
Best newcomer
Dave
Jorja Smith
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Loyle Carner
Mabel
Mist
Not3s
Stefflon Don
Yxng Bane
Best songs
J Hus – Did You See
Kojo Funds feat. Abra Cadabra – Dun Talkin’
Not3s – Addison Lee
Stormzy – Big For Your Boots
Yungen feat. Yxng Bane – Bestie
Best video
Bossman Birdie – Walk The Walk
J Hus – Spirit
Loyle Carner – The Isle Of Arran
Mist – Hot Property
Stormzy – Big For Your Boots
Best hip-hop act
Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Stefflon Don
Wretch 32
Best grime act
AJ Tracey
Chip
P Money
Skepta
Stormzy
Wiley
Best R&B/soul act
Craig David
Jorja Smith
NAO
Ray BLK
Sampha
Best international act
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay Z
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Solange Knowles
SZA
Travis Scott
Wizkid
Best African act
Davido
Eugy
Juls
Maleek Berry
Mr Eazi
Sarkodie
Tekno
Tiwa Savage
Wande Coal
Wizkid
Best reggae act
Aidonia
Alkaline
Chronixx
Damian Marley
Popcaan
Best jazz act
Cleveland Watkiss
Daymé Arocena
Moses Boyd
Mr Jukes
Terrace Martin
Best gospel act
Lurine Cato
Mali Music
S.O.
Triple O
Volney Morgan & New-Ye
