MOBO Awards 2017

See the nominees

Sampha won the Mercury, grime got politically engaged, afrobeats was everywhere, Cardi B became the first unaccompanied female rapper to get a US no.1 since Lauryn Hill, and Drake was, well...still being Drake. Another year, another excellent time for both British and international music of black origin, so of course the MOBOs are celebrating in style. This year's ceremony took place in Leeds on the 29th November: take a look at the winners and nominees.

Outstanding Contribution To Music

Best Album

Best Video: Winner

Best Newcomer (Winner: Dave)

Best Video: Nominated

Best Female Act (Winner: Stefflon Don)

Best Male Act (Winner: Stormzy)

Best Video: Nominated

Best International Act (Winner: Wizkid)

Best Song

  • Of course, given that it got an unforgettable cameo in Eastenders, Stormzy's 'Big For Your Boots' is surely a frontrunner in this category. But it'll have to fight for the prize: J Hus' humid banger, plus cuts from Kojo Funds, Not3s and Yungen are all very worthy contenders. In the end, it was J Hus who was crowned worthy winner.

  • Kojo Funds - Dun Talkin' (Remix)
    • 16-bit FLAC

Best Video: Nominated

Best Hip Hop Act (Winner: Giggs)

Best Grime Act

Best Video: Nominated

Best R&B / Soul Act

  • If he doesn't win best album then odds are this is Sampha's for the taking, but it's been a beautiful year for forward-thinking R&B all around. Jorja Smith's Drake co-sign has sent her stratospheric, Ray BLK's sassy vibes have seen her rise to the fore, while NAO and Craig David have remained dreamy. In fact, it went to Craig David in the end.

  • Sampha - Process (Explicit)Contains explicit content
    • 16-bit FLAC

Best African Act (Winner: Davido)

Best Jazz Act

  • It's been another rich year for jazz and its fusion - be it Kendrick Lamar-producer Terrace Martin on the hip hop end, or drummer Moses Boyd and his fascinating blend of the genre with grime. There was also former-Bombay Bicycle Club frontman Mr Jukes' foray into soulful big bands with an album featuring the late, great Charles Bradley, Daymé Arocena's luscious Afro-Cuban tones, and the impossibly smooth sound of British vocalist Cleveland Watkiss. Moses Boyd was the deserved winner.

  • Cleveland Watkiss - 'Vocalsuite' The Studio Sessions
  • Mr Jukes - God First
    • 16-bit FLAC
  • Terrace Martin - Something Else (feat. Problem) - Single

Best Reggae Act

  • The return of legendary Damien "Jr. Gong" Marley with a credible album might make this seem a foregone conclusion, but reggae's new school is doing great things too - Chronixx, Alkaline and Aidonia have all been making waves, and last year's winner Popcaan has sustained his infectious brand of dancehall. Damien Marley took the prize home after all.

  • Alkaline - Showcase Raw
    • 24-bit FLAC

Best Gospel Act