The Bite Magazine Issue 17

her to climb her way to the top and earn the crown of the 2016 MOBO Unsung, beating stiff competition from our run- ner-up Mega & Mullally.” As winner of this category, Alika will get a helping hand from Tiltyard Music who will equip her with a personal development plan, A&R support and educational seminars throughout the year that will provide her with all the information she will need as an emerging artist. It was time for some high gospel energy as Best Gospel nominee Volney Morgan & New-Ye took to the stage and put the audience through the paces. Dressed in all black with touches of leather here and there and boots with one sock higher than the other, the energetic choir deliv- ered an electrifying performance and showed that singing gospel can be fun. They even left the stage with the same energetic vibe that they came on with. Singer Jahméne Douglas dressed in a sharp black shiny suit proved he still has a powerful voice that helped him reach the finals of X-Factor in 2012, albeit a runner-up to James Arthur. The singer’s soulful voice ventured into every inch of the auditorium and was a welcoming sound to the ear. The next award category was Best Gospel Act with nominees Guvna ‘Allo Mate’ B, the 2010 MOBO Award winner, who is known for his positive, ener- getic and inspiring lyricism; Sarah Téibo, a newcomer to the gospel music scene who has gradually become established as a highly sought after UK Gospel artist following the release of her debut album Walk with Me this year; Andrew Bello, one of the leading Afrobeat artists within UK Gospel circles, who has always dreamed of following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Samuel Adeoshun, a ‘70s Nigerian music icon as a child; S.O, no stranger to rap, demonstrated his first rhyme at the age of six years old at his grandmother’s birthday party; and Volney Morgan & New-Ye, who has worked with the likes of Jason Nelson, Kirk Frank- lin, Ekklesia and Tye Tibbett since they released their debut EP A Lion That Stoops in the Presence of God in 2011.The award went to Guvna B who, whilst saying his speech, was joined by his mother and paid tribute to his ‘beautiful wife’ who was unable to make it that evening. MOBOAwards founder Kanya King took to the stage to express her thanks and talk about the MOBOs over the years. This year the organisation has part- nered with NHS Blood and Transplant to appeal to a new generation of black and Asian donors. The promotion enti- tled ‘Represent’ shows UK grime artist Lady Leshurr rapping with appearances from Kanya King, Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams, TV presenter Ade Ade- pitan and MP Chuka Umunna. We then got a taste of China Moses’ jazzy sound as she moved smoothly across the stage in her black and silver glittery hooded number, followed by Rumer who had an amazing voice and Shaun Escoffery, who played the lead in the Lion King in 2008, was dressed in a white shirt with black pilings and black trousers. He delivered a neo-soul influenced performance. The Best Jazz Act with nominees Esper- anza Spalding, Cory Henry, Bill Laurance, Michael Janisch and Jacob Collier was won by Esperanza Spalding and Best African Act with Moelogo, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Eugy was won by Wizkid; both winners were unable to attend the ceremony to collect their awards. The final performances of the night were Guvna B dressed in a long black coat, white t-shirt and skinny jeans that enhanced his slim stature and soul export Terri Walker dressed in a mini A-line black lacy dress and high heels. The MOBO Best Gospel Act rapped on a rendition of ‘Nothing But The Blood of Jesus’ with a beautiful and powerful intro from the backing singers while Walker kept us entertained as she moved from one side of the stage to the other in those amazing heels. Before she left the stage, she engaged in a jamming duet with Lemar who amazed us when he hit a very high note.With the introduction of the band and the backing singers who each gave us an example of their talent, it was time to say good night. Despite one or two technical hitches here and there, we have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable night and we were privileged to be present at the 2016 Pre-MOBOs Awards to celebrate the winners and those who made the list of nominations. www.mobo.com bite event