MOBO UnSung 2021 – Now Open For Entries

Marshall Amplification commit to a transformational investment over 5 years

Significant increase in support for the next generation of music and greater opportunities for MOBO UnSung finalists.

The MOBO Organisation is proud to launch MOBO UnSung 2021, its emerging talent competition with support from PRS Foundation, who have been involved for the past 10 years and new support from Marshall.

The last edition of MOBO UnSung saw Leeds´ rapper Graft crowned the winner. He has since gone on to win Rap Game UK, received support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and performed at the Reading & Leeds festivals.

This year’s competition is now open for entrants and is set to go a little louder with promised investment from British manufacturer and music heavyweight Marshall Amplification.

MOBO UnSung is one of the country’s strongest talent competitions for unsigned artists producing original work. MOBO is best known for providing the first TV platforms for exceptional talent, greatly contributing to the success of artists like Stormzy, Rita Ora, Craig David, Amy Winehouse, Emeli Sandé, Krept and Konan, Lady Leshurr to name but a few, whilst supporting and elevating new and exceptional talent through the MOBO UnSung programme.

Speaking on the newly-formed partnership, Jon Ellery, Managing Director of Marshall Amplification comments:

‘For us, this investment is a no brainer. As highlighted by Nova Twins over the last year, Rock and Alternative music have influence from Music of Black Origin. Rhythm and Blues from Muddy Walters, Chuck Berry, BB King, Sister Rosetta Tharpe pioneered the way for the great bands that came through Jim’s shop and the Ealing Blues Club.’

‘We are supporting MOBO’s UnSung as part of our on-going commitment to emerging talent, this investment is not just monetary; it includes access to our new world class Recording Studio, help from our Record Label and Live Agency, as well as use of Marshall’s leading products. It is a great step in getting Rock and Alternative music to become more inclusive.’

Kanya King, Founder and CEO of the MOBO group, added:
´We are delighted to welcome Marshall as a fantastic partner with a great history in supporting talent. It was just a matter of time until our worlds collided. I have no doubt this new partnership will add so much value to so many young artists and in particular will also positively influence the number of entries to the MOBO UnSung competition in Alternative Music, Rock and other genres, thus supporting an even broader selection of music. It is a really proud day in the history of UnSung.´

With the 2021 edition of the MOBO UnSung competition gearing up to commence, it aims to motivate and elevate emerging talent by giving them fantastic opportunities whilst developing their understanding in the industry. This nationwide search for exceptional unsigned talent culminates in 10 finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2021.

To kick start their UnSung journey, this year’s finalists will all be attending the upcoming MOBO Awards , allowing them the opportunity to network with the best in today’s Music Industry. Following the show, MOBO and its music industry partners will facilitate a year-long artist development programme, which will include opportunities for studio time, career mentoring, music production, live representation and A&R guidance.

For artists who need support in navigating around the music world – this is a door opening opportunity not to be missed as Graft commented:
´MOBO UnSung was the first prestigious award I’ve won in my career so far. It was a momentous impetus to propelling my music career. As a young, unsigned artist to be acknowledged by the MOBO’s, an organisation with rich history and universal impact, it exposed me to more eyes within the music industry, endless opportunities and frequently opened more doors for me through the support of MOBO UnSung. As an artist, all I want is to be heard. To share my art with the world. MOBO UnSung was the best supportive hand earlier in my career, to help me on my journey to achieve that. To be backed by the MOBO’s already sets me apart from my peers. For all the support from MOBO in my music career, I thank them eternally´.

Find out more and apply to MOBO UnSung here