‘Toast’ to 2021 MOBO Awards nominees

Koffee’s manager Tammi Chang, has nothing but congratulations for this year’s MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) nominees.

Chang said, “I’d like to say congratulations to all the artistes nominated this year, especially for a noted talent such as Skillibeng.”

She told The Gleaner that the entertainment business has endured a lot of setbacks over the past year due to the global pandemic, but that “we were able to be creative, and we responded swiftly despite the unexpected challenges”.

“There have also been some awesome changes to our industry. One [notable] change involves platforms like MOBO. They extended their platform to highlight young, emerging talents, specifically from Jamaica and the surrounding Caribbean region,” Chang continued.

After a two-year break, the MOBO Awards returned in 2020 when the global entertainment industry would have experienced its first year of setbacks caused by the pandemic. The UK’s biggest celebration of black music was live-streamed on December 9 last year for the first time in its 24-year history. Koffee was nominated for Best Reggae Act alongside Popcaan, Lila Iké, Protoje, and Buju Banton, who was named the winner in the category.

“As I always express to my artistes, whether we win or lose a nomination, our response remains the same no matter the outcome, because we want to focus on having a positive impact on the lives of others,” she said.

The MOBO Awards has garnered over three million viewers. Its reach as an international awards show has been impactful, and it is consistently growing as a reputable entity in the music entertainment industry.

She said, “It is safe to say that MOBO is gaining momentum and, with time, its reach will rival those of already-established stations. It is definitely one platform where the possibilities are endless. I am elated about local talents here in Jamaica and the Caribbean; it’s always gratifying to see them being recognised on the international stage.”

Koffee is not nominated in this year’s MOBO Awards. However, it has had a significant impact on her career and that of other young, emerging reggae and dancehall recording artistes. The artiste, who was signed to major labels Columbia Records UK and RCA in the US before receiving her MOBO Awards nomination, continues to make waves in the United Kingdom and across the world. The title track of her Grammy Award-winning EP, Rapture, was certified silver in the UK, with sales of over 200,000 copies on August 6, and was posted on London billboards.

“The earnings a just fi the plus,” Chang said, referencing Koffee’s Toast, adding that to be recognised by the selection committees of these award shows, in addition to their craft, artistes must project “passion and consistency”.

“I value hard work. Hard work will almost always return dividends. We bypass the hype or chasing the money. Slow and steady wins the race,” she added.

Lila Iké, Popcaan, Sean Paul, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Spice have been named in the Best Reggae Act category of this year’s MOBO Awards, while Skillibeng is the only Jamaican artiste to also cop a nomination in the category of Best International Act. He goes up against Megan Thee Stallion, Polo G, Doja Cat, Drake, Kanye West, Rema, Wizkid, Lil Nas X, and Young Stoner Life (Young Thug & Gunna).

The show returns to its live-audience format on Sunday, December 5, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com