JLS and Tinie Tempah steal the show at Mobo awards

Suited: JLS give the traditional black tie look a makeover
11 April 2012
The Weekender

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X Factor runners-up JLS and MC sensation Tinie Tempah took the 15th annual Mobo awards by storm.

Both acts landed two gongs in a star-studded ceremony held at Liverpool's waterfront Echo Arena.

The four-piece boyband won Best Album for their eponymous debut and the Best UK Act.

South Londoner Tinie Tempah, 21, was largely unheard of 12 months ago.

Last night he was nominated for four awards and won Best Newcomer and Best Video for his single Frisky, which reached number two in the singles chart.

Both acts received raucous welcomes to Liverpool from hundreds of fans gathered alongside the red carpet.

The warm welcome was extended to current chart stars such as Roll Deep and N-Dubz to more established stars such as Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child and Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine.

Producer Mark Ronson kicked off the show with the Business International in a ceremony hosted by Strictly Come Dancing star Alesha Dixon and BBC Radio 1's Reggie Yates.

Everton footballers Tim Cahill and Tim Howard, fresh from their 2-0 derby win over Liverpool, presented the best soul and R&B record to Plan B.

The white rapper and soul singer - who has won critical acclaim for his concept album The Defamation Of Strickland Banks - was on tour so could not collect the gong in person.

In a pre-recorded acceptance speech he said the award "meant the world" to him.

God-fearing Guvna B won the Best Gospel Act and dedicated the award to youngsters whose lives are blighted by gang crime.

The 21-year-old said: "I'm buzzin, all love.

"I grew up in east London with lots of violence and lost a couple of friends to knife and gun crime.

"I reached a crossroads with a choice of right or wrong and took the correct route - I became a Christian.

"And four years down the line I have a Mobo.

"I want to dedicate this award to all the kids who find themselves in the situation I was in."

American hip hop artist Travie McCoy made a surprise appearance and performed his hit Billionaire, which was introduced by JLS who began singing the song a cappella around their table beside the stage and then accompanied him.

Other notable winners were Professor Green for Best UK Hip Hop/Grime Act and Eminem who won Best International Act.

Billy Ocean, whose hits include When The Going Gets Tough, was rewarded for decades in the music industry with a lifetime achievement award.

One of the hits of the evening were N-Dubz, who performed, were backstage hosts and also won the Best Song category for Playing With Fire.

In a lesson for all aspiring musicians, Dappy, one of the Camden-based trio, said: "If you've got something to party over, then party.

"But if you're not winning nothing, go home, feel bad, wake up tomorrow and work harder."

FULL LIST OF MOBO 2010 WINNERS
Best Newcomer - Tinie Tempah
Best UK R&B / Soul Act - Plan B
Best UK Hip Hop / Grime Act - Professor Green
Best International Act - Eminem
Best Reggae Act - Gyptian
Best Album - JLS, 'JLS'
Best Video in association with MTV Base - Tinie Tempah ft Labrinth - Frisky
Best UK Act in association with Lebara Mobile - JLS
Best Song in association with PRSforMusic - NDubz FEAT. Mr Hudson - Playing with Fire
Best African Act - K'Naan
Best Jazz Act - Empirical
Best Gospel Act - Guvna BLifetime Achievement - Billy Ocean
BeMOBO - Merseyside Dance Initiative

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