Newcastle MOBO Awards will 'open doors' for musicians in region
Matt Pearson Sisi on stage for BBC show Introducing. She wears a short white dress and has long black hair. She had two backup singers, one on each side, wearing a white halter top and pants, and a man played music behind her. Above their heads was a glowing sign that read Matt Pearson

Sisi has performed for BBC Introducing, a program that supports new music and artists

A concurrent event ahead of the MOBO Awards, which will be held in Newcastle for the first time, will “open doors” for musicians in the region, a young musician says.

The awards, which have been held since 1996, celebrate black music and culture.

A five-day festival is planned ahead of the main event to create opportunities, raise aspirations and showcase the region's talent.

"A lot of people's eyes will be on Newcastle, but that's not the case," said Sethi, a singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old said the awards were "huge".

“Jay-Z, Stormzy, Raye, they’ve all seen it — it’s huge,” she said.

“It’s going to open a lot of doors for a lot of artists who wouldn’t necessarily have had the opportunity.

“This will allow a lot of people to hear the voices of the Northeast, which are incredibly diverse.”

Singer Sissi wore a navy blue sweater with a pink collar and design and had long dark braids. She smiled, standing in front of a blurry brick wall.

Sisi says the awards make success more attainable

MOBO Fringe will host workshops for aspiring creatives and young people, particularly those from the region’s black communities.

Jim Maudsley, Newcastle City Council's chief events and culture adviser, said it was about "showcasing the opportunities" to young people and letting experts tell them "how to get into the music industry and how to overcome the barriers".

“I think it’s really important to show that you don’t have to go to London to have a career in music,” he said.

“It’s important to be involved and connected to something so prestigious.”

Mr Maudsley said the MOBO Awards were world-renowned.

"The recording industry, which is focused on black music, will have their sights set on Newcastle," he said.

Jim Mawdsley, chief adviser for events and culture at Newcastle City Council, smiles. He has short light brown hair and a thick light brown beard. He was wearing a dark blue polo shirt. The background is blurred.

Jim Mawdsley says the region has a rich talent pool

Chyaro Hylton, program coordinator for arts organization Generator, said having the award coming to the city "means we're doing something right."

"This is not just a moment, this is an opportunity," he said.

“We are trying to stop artists from leaving the area.

“Having MOBO Fringe events here means artists’ voices are heard, they’re supported and they’re loved.”

Sisi said they would "shine a light" on music and artists in the region.

"Unfortunately Newcastle doesn't get the same opportunities as other cities just because of where we are," she said.

“If it wasn’t here, I’d still have to put in the work, but the fact that it’s here does make this dream a lot easier to achieve.”

The awards ceremony will be held on February 18 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

Newcastle City Council and MOBO, along with partners Generator, Glasshouse, Northern Roots and Nrthrn Baby, have announced plans for a MOBO Fringe event from 13 to 17 February.