Since 1996, MOBO (Music of Black Origin) has been honoring the best and brightest in Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Soul, Reggae and Hip Hop music in the U.K.
The annual MOBO Awards show is one of the most televised music awards shows in the world, with up to five million viewers watching on BBC. Guest appearances from some of the biggest names in music, like 50 Cent, Amy Winehouse, Destiny's Child, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, No-Yo, Rihanna, Tina Turner, and Usher, make the show a worldwide sensation.
2013 marks the 18th anniversary of MOBO. The awards will be held at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.
Five artists are vying for the title of Best Gospel Act. They are:
2013 Best Gospel Act Nominees:
el Mafrex - "Jehovah f/ Royal Foundlings"
Nigerian born, el Mafrex was one of the pioneer members of the prestigious Nigerian Military School's fellowship praise band. While studying physics and electronics at the University of Uyo in Nigeri, he left the boy band he had founded, "Da Grooves" after feeling God's call to Gospel music.
Guvna B - "Big Boy Riddim"
The 24-year-old graduate from the University of Hertfordshire and Youth For Christ ambassador says that his name is an acronym for "God's Unique Vessel Now Assigned."
IDMC - "God Is Good"
In 1993, IDMC was the choir for the The New Testament Church of God Inter District Mass Choice. Shortened to Inter District Mass Choir a year later, the choir further pared down, from 70 members to 30, and added singers from other denominations. The name then became the Inter Donominational Music Choral. A final name change and reorganization came in 2001 with the IDMC moniker meaning "Individuals Dedicated to the Ministry of Christ."
Lurine Cato - "You Revive Me"
The ninth of eleven children, Lurine's first major performance was at the COGIC's London, UK's National Convention when she was only three. She credits her main influences as being The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, The Winans and Yolanda Adams (among others).
Sandra Godley - "I Give Myself Away"
Born in the U.K. to Jamaican parents, Sandra grew up listening to Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Jessy Dixon. The 2005 UK (GEM) Gospel Entertainment Award winner for Best Female Newcomer has released three albums and appeared on stages around the world.
Fans are invited to vote for their favorite artist through October 16th. Winners will be announced on October 19, 2013. (Register to vote)
