Liverpool to host Mobo Awards after Facebook campaign

The influential Mobo Awards will be held in Liverpool following a Facebook campaign, Leona Lewis announced today.

The X Factor winner and platinum-selling star announced the location of the ceremony, taking place in October, at a press conference in the city today.

Lewis is an ambassador for the Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards and said: “I’m the proud owner of two Mobo Awards and am delighted to be here in Liverpool as a Mobo ambassador to help commemorate their 15th year.

“I think Liverpool is the perfect choice for this year’s award ceremony.”

The confirmation of Liverpool as host city follows a Facebook campaign by Mobo fan Ben Osu, 17, to bring the event to the North West.

Previous ceremonies have included performances by Tina Turner, Jay Z, Destiny’s Child and Rihanna.

Awards founder Kanya King said: “We are all very excited about celebrating Mobo’s 15th birthday in Liverpool and bringing the awards to this vibrant city recognised for its outstanding contribution to music, culture and creativity.

“We have some incredible plans for this year’s event and we’re particularly looking forward to working with the city and implementing the annual BeMobo Award as a regional initiative for the first time to honour some of the region’s unsung local heroes.”

This year’s ceremony will be held on October 20 at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

A ballot for tickets opened today at www.mobo.com and runs until the end of the month.

The nominations for this year’s awards will be announced in early September.