Mos Def hosted the Music Of
Black Origin awards, held last night at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
American Hip-Hop
act Kanye West was the evening’s biggest winner, taking home awards in
three categories, including Best Album, Best Hip-Hop Act and Best Producer,
fueled by the success of his album, College Dropout.
The night’s other big winner was singer Jamelia, who won three as well
including Best Video, Best Single and UK Act of the Year, which she shared with
rapper Dizzee Rascal.
Mos Def hosted the awards, after Neptunes member Pharrell Williams backed out
at the last minute, due to what he labeled a scheduling conflict.
Other nominees such as Beyonce and Usher did not attend the ceremonies. Artists
that did make it were greeted by a variety of demonstrators.
Previously, Gay rights group OutRage! protested against Elephant Man and Vybz
Kartel, who were nominated for the Best Reggae act. Eventually, both acts were
dropped from the MOBO’s.
However, 30 demonstrators from the Black Music Council challenged the gay right
group. Supporters were holding up banners reading “Support Reggae music”
and “Enraged by OutRage!”
The ceremony ended by Anita Baker picking up the Outstanding Achievement award,
which coincided nicely with the release of My Everything – her first album release
in ten years.
The full list of winners is below:
:: Best R&B Act – Usher
:: Best Hip Hop Act – Kanye West
:: Best Video – Jamelia, See It In A Boy’s Eyes
:: Best Single – Jamelia, Thank You
:: Best Album – Kanye West, College Dropout
:: Best Jazz Act – Jamie Cullum
:: Best Reggae Act – Sean Paul
:: Best Collaboration – 2Play ft. Raghav and Jucxi – So Confused
:: Best Producer – Kanye West
:: Best World Music Act – Bebel Gilberto
:: Best Gospel Act – Raymond & Co
:: Best UK Radio DJ – Jigs, Choice FM
:: Best UK Club DJ – Manny Norte
:: UK Act of the Year – Dizzee Rascal and Jamelia
:: Best Newcomer – Estelle
:: Best Ringtone – Mario Winans
:: Icon Hall of Fame Award – Janet Jackson
:: Lifetime Achievement Award – Anita Baker
