Burna Boy and Wizkid, two of Nigeria’s biggest popstars, walked away with awards at the 2020 MOBO awards.
Burna beat Rema, US artists Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, the late Pop Smoke, Lil Baby, H.E.R, Roddy Ricch and Jamaican stars Popcaan and Shenseea to win Best International Act. He can now look to the 2021 Grammys, where he is nominated in the best global music category for his acclaimed album, ‘Twice as Tall.’
Wizkid, meanwhile, scooped the Best African Act award, beating the likes of fellow Nigerian stars Davido, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold and Tiwa Savage, as well as Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.
Tiwa Savage sang a medley of her hits from her 2020 album ‘Celia,’ including the single ’Koroba.’ She referenced the Lekki shootings in her passionate performance, working lyrics such as ‘who gave the order?’ and ‘we will not forget’ into her songs.
The MOBO awards were returning for the first time since 2017 to celebrate music of Black origin.
British artists Headie One, Nines and Mahalia were among the stars who were crowned big winners at the virtual event.
Leading the way, Nines clinched the prestigious album of the year for the chart-topping ‘Crabs In A Bucket.’
Mahalia won best female act and best R&B/soul act, following her acclaimed 2019 album Love and Compromise and her 2020 EP Isolation Tapes, recorded partly during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Drill rapper Headie One was named best male act, beating Stormzy, J Hus, Nines and more – he topped the UK charts with his album ‘Edna’ in October. He also featured on the song of the year, ‘Don’t Rush’ by Nottingham pop-rap duo Young T & Bugsey, which was voted for by the public. Another public vote winner was Mancunian rapper Aitch, who picked up best newcomer.
Rita Osakwe