NEW YORK — The 13th Annual MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards announced its nominees Thursday, September 11.
The Best New Reggae Artist category includes four VP recording artists (Etana, Mavado, Busy Signal and Tarrus Riley) as well as Beenie Man.
This year’s MOBO Awards ceremony will take place at London’s Wembley Arena on October 15th, 2008.
If you want to vote for the Best New Reggae Artist of 2008, please go to MOBO’s website.
Etana
Etana made her mark with the hit “Wrong Address” in 2006, “Roots” in 2007, “Warrior Love” in 2008, received four Best Female Vocalist Awards, rocked major stage shows worldwide and recently released her critically acclaimed debut The Strong One (June 2008) on VP Records. Incorporating elements of jazz, pop, rock and reggae, Etana has cultivated a pristine sound that touches on real life experiences and enlightens her listeners.
Busy Signal
Dancehall lyricist Busy Signal began to receive widespread attention in 2005 with breakthrough hits like “Born and Grow” & “Step Out” and in 2006 with his debut album Step Out with Greensleeves Records. With outstanding mic techniques and restless creativity, Busy became a member of reggae icon Bounty Killer’s Alliance—a musical powerhouse that spawned stars like Wayne Marshall, Elephant Man and Mavado. His upcoming album Loaded will be released Sept 23rd, 2008 on VP Records and contains #1 smashes like “Jail”, “These Are The Days”, “Unknown Number”, “Tic Toc” and “Wine Pon Di Edge”.
Mavado
Dancehall star Mavado became an overnight sensation in Jamaica with his 2004 debut single “The Real McKoy” and reached international fame in 2006 with “Weh Dem a Do”. In 2007, he released his debut album Gangsta for Life on VP Records. Since his first release, Mavado has collaborated with hip hop superstars like Jay-Z, Foxy Brown and G-Unit, was voted Best New Reggae Artist by Rolling Stone Magazine and produced a slew of international hits including “Last Night”, “On The Rock”, “So Special” and many more. His sophomore album is set to be released in Dec. 08/Jan. 09 on VP Records.
Tarrus Riley
Tarrus Riley hit international stardom with mega hits like She’s Royal,” “Stay With You,” and “Beware”—all featured on his 2006 VP release Parables. The roots and lovers rock sensation led the 2008 annual International Reggae and World Music Awards with 7 nominations and won Best Song for “She’s Royal” and Best Male Vocalist. His debut album Challenges was re-released this past June with two new bonus tracks.
The MOBO Awards were launched in 1996 as the first black awards show in Europe. MOBO has grown throughout its successful 13 year history, not only exhibiting the finest UK and international talent to its audience, but also creating a platform for established and upcoming artists on the urban music scene.
