MOBO Awards 2014: Sam Smith sweeps the board to take home four gongs
The 22-year-old won big at both the MOBOs and Q awards today
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.He might be the son of an investment banker but Sam Smith has certainly got soul. The London singer swept the board at the MOBO awards, taking four prizes.
Smith, 22, confirmed that he is the year’s breakout British music success, after winning the Male, Album,Song and R&B/Soul categories at the Wembley Arena event recognising Music of Black Origin.
Smith, whose In The Lonely Hour debut album topped the UK charts and broke US sales records for a British male artist, has more than justified his appearance at the top of the BBC’s Sound of 2014 poll.
His honeyed, falsetto voice also won over rock fans, who predominantly form the readership of Q magazine, which awarded Smith the Best New Act prize at another ceremony held on Wednesday.
Smith is the son of Kate Cassidy, a City high-flier who launched a £1.5m High Court battle against bonds and currency broker Tullett Prebon claiming damages over her dismissal. She claimed that her bosses sacked her for devoting too much time to promoting Sam’s career.
Smith’s triumph will reignite the debate over whether white artists should dominate at an event honouring “black music”. But Jess Glynne, who lost out to Ella Eyre in the Newcomer category, said: “It’s not about the colour of your skin, it’s about your music. Not only black people can sing songs and be inspired by soul. I find it so ridiculous.”
The Hip Hop award went to Krept and Konan, a duo from south London, who have so far only released mixtapes independently. The pair beat Tinie Tempah, whom they supported on tour, and have now signed a deal with the Virgin EMI label.
Awards for FUSE ODG and South London grime MC Stormzy demonstrated that the underground British urban music scene continues to produce talent with mainstream crossover potential.
There were also wins for Jessie J and Beyoncé at the MOBOs, now in its 19th year, which was broadcast by ITV for the first time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments