MOBO Awards

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The MOBO (an acronym for Music Of Black Origin) Awards, established in 1996 by Kanya King, are held annually in the UK to recognise artists of any race or nationality performing music of black origin.

[edit] 2004 Awards

The ninth annual MOBO Awards ceremony took place on 30 September 2004 at the Royal Albert Hall in London and was broadcast by BBC television. Controversy surrounded the removal of reggae artists Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man from the 'Best Reggae Act' category at the 2004 awards due to their homophobic lyrics.

[edit] 2006 Awards

In 2006 the awards were hosted by Coolio and Gina Yashere.

There was further controversy in this year, when it was discovered underground band the Choong Family were removed from the short list for newcomer due to pressure from Def Jam to include Lady Sovereign on the list^{[verification needed]}. The decision to drop the award categories of World Music and Jazz prompted protests from jazz musicians outside the event. Beyoncé Knowles was booed for not showing up to the event despite winning 3 awards. Corinne Bailey Rae went on to win the prize for best UK newcomer. Akala, The british rapper, caused a stir when he won best hip hop act, beating of competition from acts such as Kanye West.