The Nigerian artist Wizkid may have missed the Grammy nomination this year, but he beat a strong field including Jay-Z, Drake, Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar to net the best international artist prize at the Mobo awards in London Wednesday night.
Other artists edged out by Wizkid are Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, Solange Knowles, SZA
Another Nigerian artist Davido, also emerged the best African Act for the year.
He beat a field of artists, including Wizkid to get the award. The other artists in the pack were: Eugy, Juls, Maleek Berry, Mr Eazi, Sarkodie, Tekno, Tiwa Savage and Wande Coal. Wizkid won the award in 2016.
The night belonged to Stormzy, the charismatic British grime MC who scooped three prizes.
He scooped best male artist, best grime act, and best album, for the chart-topping Gang Signs & Prayer.
Stormzy was nominated in the five categories. He fought off competition from Sampha, J Hus and Skepta to be crowned Best Male Act and Best Grime Act.
The MOBO awards, which started in 1996, is Europe’s music award event. It is the most important and influential event for music makers and fans, perhaps Europe’s equivalent of Grammy. It recognises and honours the artistic and technical achievements of exceptional British and international talent in the musical fields of Hip Hop, Grime, RnB/Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, and African music.
Entertainment business mogul, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce applauded the achievement of Wizkid in a tweet this morning:
The 2017 Mobo winners in full
Full list of 2017 MOBO Awards winners:
Best Male Act: Stormzy
Best Female Act: Stefflon Don
Best Album: Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
Best Newcomer: Dave
Best Song: J Hus – Did You See
Best Video (in association with Link Up TV): Mist – Hot Property
Best Hip Hop Act: Giggs
Best Grime Act: Stormzy
BestR&B/Soul Act (supported by Mi-Soul): Craig David
Best International Act: Wizkid
Best African Act (in association with The Beat London 103.6FM): Davido
Best Reggae Act: Damian Marley
Best Jazz Act (supported by Jazz FM): Moses Boyd
Best Gospel Act (supported by Premier Gospel): Volney Morgan & New-Ye
