Comedian Babatunde Aleshe and Love Island’s Indiyah Polack have been announced as the hosts for the 26th MOBO Awards taking place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on February 7.
DJ Spoony, Byron Messia and Soul II Soul are also set to perform, with more acts to be added very soon.
Stormzy and Little Simz received the most nods at the 2024 MOBO Awards, as the full shortlist was revealed in December.
One of the rising stars of comedy, Babatunde is currently on tour but is also known for starring in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and having a podcast.
Meanwhile, Indiyah burst onto screens in 2022 on series 8 of Love Island and her career has gone from strength to strength since.
Comedian Babatunde Aleshe and Love Island’s Indiyah Polack have been announced as the hosts for the 26th MOBO Awards taking place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on February 7
One of the rising stars of comedy, Babatunde is currently on tour but is also known for starring in I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! and having a podcast
She has co-hosted the official Love Island podcast, The Morning After with former MIC star Sam Thompson, and has made numerous television appearances including being a regular panellist on Love Island: Aftersun.
Babatunde said: ‘This is just massive and I am so honoured. The MOBO Awards are something you grow up watching and now to be able to say I’m a part of it… it’s an amazing feeling. Indiyah and I are gonna bring some VIBES!’
Indiyah added: ‘Having watched the MOBO Awards since I was young, then getting to present an award last year, to now hosting the show with Babatúndé… this is like the hugest job ever, and I’m excited!
‘There are so many artists I listen to that have been nominated as well, so it’s going to be a real ‘pinch me’ moment on the night.’
MOBO Founder Kanya King CBE said in his statement: ‘We are thrilled to announce Babatunde Aleshe and Indiyah Polack as the charismatic hosts for the 26th MOBO Awards.
‘They share such energy and chemistry, as I saw for myself when we met, and it will be a dynamic combination for the vibrant and spectacular awards show. I know they will pull out all the stops on the night!
For the first time in its history the ceremony is set to take place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Acclaimed rapper Little Simz landed nods for Best Female Act, Album of the Year, Video of The Year and Best Hip Hop Act.
Meanwhile, Indiyah burst onto screens in 2022 on series 8 of Love Island and her career has gone from strength to strength since
DJ Spoony (pictured), Byron Messia and Soul II Soul are also set to perform, with more acts to be added very soon
Simz won big at last year’s ceremony in London, taking Album of the Year in a joint win with Knucks, which saw a tie for the first time in MOBO history.
Elsewhere, grime superstar Stormzy is nominated for Best Male Act, Album of The Year, Song of The Year, Video of The Year.
The widely celebrated MC has won six MOBO Awards in his career, and was the first ever recipient of Best Grime Act when the category was introduced in 2014.
Following closely behind with three nominations each are Central Cee, J Hus, PinkPantheress and Raye.
Central Cee is up for Best Male Act, Song of The Year (supported by BBC Radio 1xtra) and Best Drill Act.
J Hus, the London rapper who has had a career defining year with the release of his third album Beautiful and Brutal Yard, also has three nominations; Best Male Act, Album of The Year and Song of The Year (supported by BBC Radio 1xtra).
Up for the coveted Album Of The Year are Central Cee & Dave’s Sprinter, Who Told You from J Hus. feat Drake, Little Things by Jorja Smith, Boys A Liar Pt. 2 by Pinkpantheress and Ice Spice, Escapism by Raye & 070 Shake, and Stormzy’s Hide and Seek.
Soul II Soul will be honoured with a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their enduring impact on the British music scene.
As well as the existing Paving The Way and Lifetime Achievement Award, MOBO will also introduce the MOBO Impact and MOBO Pioneer Award.
Kanya said: ‘We are proud to champion this year’s incredible lineup of nominees for the 26th MOBO Awards, who have all brought stellar music and content to our attention through their remarkable work in music, film, TV, online and more.
Grime superstar Stormzy is nominated for Best Male Act, Album of The Year, Song of The Year, Video of The Year
Acclaimed rapper Little Simz landed nods for Best Female Act, Album of the Year, Video of The Year and Best Hip Hop Act
Following closely behind with three nominations each are Central Cee, J Hus, PinkPantheress and Raye (pictured)
‘Since 1996, we’ve celebrated Black music and culture, breaking new ground and leading the way, seeing MOBO evolve and innovate to champion outstanding talent beyond music.
‘This year’s nominees not only represent the best of their genre and artform and an incredible year of music, but also continue our dedication to sustaining an inclusive ecosystem where diverse talent is both recognised and empowered to thrive.
‘With the advancement of our MOBO UnSung talent programme and career development platform MOBOLISE, we are ready and excited to take our pioneer status to the next level, to celebrate and recognise the vast contributions of trailblazing musicians and cultural heroes, in a way that only MOBO can. See you on February 7th!’