Black Welsh Musicians Set to Be Honored at International Music Awards

A fresh batch of accolades has been introduced to honor the contributions of Black Welsh artists.

The Black Welsh Music Awards aspire to be known as "the Welsh Mobos"—Music of Black Origin Awards—and seek to highlight performers across various genres such as Afrobeats, grime, and reggae. Additionally, they plan to include a category dedicated to recognizing the best Welsh language track.

Benji Webbe, the lead vocalist of the reggae metal group Skindred, stands out as the sole Black Welsh musician to claim a Mobo award, which he received for Best Alternative Act at the 2024 event.

The accolades have been termed "much deserved" by both artists and organizers.

Webbe mentioned that he believes the Mobos, established in 1996, do not sufficiently honor Welsh talent.

He mentioned that there ought to be a section for Celtic.

He mentioned that securing the Mobo award resulted in greater opportunities for the group, such as performing at Wembley Arena as the main act.

The honor of claiming the Mobo award was delightful. Winning such an accolade brings global recognition and undoubtedly benefits your career.

The artist from Newport expressed his excitement about the launch of the new Black Welsh Music Awards, emphasizing that it needs to be executed properly.

He stated: "The Black Welsh Music Awards can benefit the community provided [the organizers] handle it properly—they must ensure they conduct thorough research to identify those who have been working diligently without a recording contract over the past two decades."

The focus should be on the underdogs, rather than a self-congratulatory affair where everyone pats each other on the back.

Nominations should be acknowledged with joy for everyone involved, not only the winners. Simply being chosen as a nominee is an incredible achievement.

Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE, who co-founded the new awards, stated that the distinct Welsh landscape of Black talent needs to be recognized and honored.

She mentioned that they expected MOBO to reach Wales through peripheral events, increased visibility, and promoting Welsh artists. However, this has not occurred as anticipated. Thus, they are developing their initiatives from within.

She mentioned that the event focuses on "representation, celebration, and heritage."

"Our MOBO musicians from Wales are forging new paths, and we’re welcoming everybody to join us in this journey. This moment belongs to us," she stated.

Molara Awen, a singer-songwriter famous for her role in S4C’s Welsh-language show Gogglebocs, stated that these accolades represent a “highly significant endeavor” for the music sector in Wales.

As ancient as human existence itself, black music has roots in drums that speak, balafons, koras, and orutus," she stated. "While we often discuss xylophones, harps, and violins, seldom do we acknowledge the numerous instruments that predate these by hundreds of years.

Dionne Bennett, both a singer and composer, stated that the accolades weren't merely about recognition but focused on backing black artists throughout their careers.

She mentioned that it's all about constructing the underlying framework.

The inaugural Black Welsh Music Awards will take place in October, and nominations are currently being accepted.

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