While the performances and awards typically dominate headlines, the stage has additionally served as a showcase for an additional type of expression: jewelry – test it out under
Since its launch in 1996, the MOBO Awards has celebrated the most influential voices in music of Black origin in the UK and past.
From outsized early-2000s pendants to symbolic chains and luxurious watches, artists have lengthy used jewelry at the MOBOs to speak id, heritage and standing.
At the 2002 MOBO Awards, Ja Rule delivered certainly one of the night’s most memorable moments. The New York rapper gained Best Hip Hop Act and carried out his hit Livin’ It Up from the triple-platinum album Pain Is Love (2001).
Completing the efficiency was a basic piece of early-2000s rap jewelry. Around his neck hung an extended diamond chain accomplished with a guitar pendant that rested simply above his waist.
Two many years later the chain nonetheless held cultural weight. In 2022, Ja Rule revisited the second on Instagram, captioning a photograph with the phrases: “Might have to get my guitar chain back.”
By the finish of the 2000s the MOBO stage was more and more reflecting the rise of UK rap and grime. One of the defining performances got here throughout the 2010 MOBO Awards when Giggs, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Devlin joined forces to carry out their star-studded anthem Game Over.
The efficiency was iconic not just for the music itself however for what it represented: a second that captured the development of UK rap. It additionally featured some memorable jewelry items.
Giggs wore his now legendary SN1 chain, representing his South London collective and label. The identify was an acronym for “Spare No One” and embodied the defiant spirit of an artist who had as soon as confronted makes an attempt from the trade to blacklist and shut him down.
Tinchy Stryder appeared alongside him carrying a pendant carefully tied to his music catalogue. His S.I.T.H. chain referenced his debut album Star in the Hood, turning the title of his breakthrough challenge right into a wearable emblem.
The phrase quickly transcended music, evolving right into a style line and a cultural motion. Stryder’s affect was so vital that years later artists reminiscent of Skepta, Young Adz and Chip paid homage with their music Star in the Hood.
Jewellery at the MOBOs has additionally been used to rejoice heritage. Artists reminiscent of Pa Salieu have attended the occasion carrying Afrocentric jewelry that displays African id and tradition.
However, few artists embodied heritage by way of jewelry fairly like Ms. Dynamite. Emerging first by way of UK storage, Ms. Dynamite rapidly demonstrated her versatility, transferring throughout R&B, dancehall, ragga and two step.
After receiving a number of nominations in 2003 and 2004, she appeared at the 2005 MOBO Awards carrying a series that includes the Jamaican flag. The piece paid tribute to her Caribbean roots and highlighted the cultural hyperlinks between British music and the Caribbean diaspora.
Those Caribbean connections had been honoured on a a lot bigger scale at the 2025 MOBO
Awards when dancehall icon Vybz Kartel acquired the Impact Award. His look was historic.
After years away from worldwide phases, the Jamaican star delivered an electrifying efficiency that included the dancehall basic Ramping Shop alongside fellow Jamaican artist Spice.
Kartel’s jewelry mirrored his philosophy on life. He has typically mentioned that he misplaced a lot time that he now wears two watches in an try and make it again. On one wrist he wore an iced out Rolex Datejust, gifted to him by Popcaan. On the different sat a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a diamond set bezel and dial which was gifted to him by DJ Khaled.
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