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| Wembley dances to the rhythm of the African beat From the townships of South Africa, the coffee plantations of Kenya, the sea breezes off the Ivory Coast and the sprawling metropolis of Nigeria comes a vibrant, rich and intoxicating blend of MOBO music to the heart of London. This year's MOBO Awards Show in association with Western Union from the iconic Wembley Arena in London on Wednesday 15 October will showcase the best in Afro hip-hop, R&B, reggae and blues with a uniquely African twist. Over the last month, MOBO music fans around the world have cast their votes for their favourite 'Best African Act'. The competition was very close and the five MOBO Award nominees that have made it through to the shortlist are: Asa - who's opened for John Legend, Beyoncè, Akon and Snoop Dogg amongst others. D'Banj & Mo Hits Allstars – Performing in Yoruba and English along with self taught harmonica, multi award winner D'banj''s skills bring Afrobeat to life. Jozi - a four piece band that blend four distinctive musical influences from Jo'bourg. 9ice – The artist 9ice with his powerful use of the Yoruba language and years of studying the industry and refining his skills, has developed his musical ideology and style since he was 14 years old. P-Square– a two-piece combo that blend Western and African rhythms spawning R&B, hip-hop and dancehall styles that appeal across generations. Other African artists that made it on the long list include Jua Cali, Wahu, Magic System, Faze and Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP). Asa is typical of the new generation of artists emerging from the Dark Continent. She says: "I want my music to touch people. As an African, I want to give hope back to my people, but also to speak in their name. I want to show the world that something beautiful and positive can come out of the black continent and inspire young people all over the world." The MOBO Awards was inspired by Kanya King MBE back in 1996. MOBO sees music as a force for good – for helping to remove social, cultural, religious and economic barriers that so often divide rather than unite us. Above all, MOBO is about inclusivity and reaching all audiences wherever they may be. The MOBO Awards Show is broadcast live on BBC Three with a special 90 minute broadcast on BBC One that is syndicated across the world including the African sub-continent through Channel O and reaches a global audience in excess of 250m. This year's presenters are Spice Girl Mel B and grandfather of hip hop, MTV's Rev Run of Run DMC. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |