The rising rock duo Nova Twins have called for an introduction of a Rock/Alternative category at the 2021 MOBO Awards. Currently, the notorious award show has categories in multiple genres, ranging from jazz to RnB. However, a Rock category, or anything similar to the genre is not currently represented.
Our open letter to the @moboawards :
We’re asking for your help in the hopes that a Rock/Alternative category will be added to the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards in 2021, recognising the POC contributors to the genre.
Please RT, sharing this message far and wide! pic.twitter.com/wol3iCi4uH
— NOVA TWINS (@NovaTwinsMusic) November 30, 2020
“We want to use our platform to raise the voices of the unheard, diversifying the space for alternative POC bands but we can’t do it alone. People often don’t know that rock ’n’ roll was in fact largely originated by a black woman,” the group wrote in an open letter to the awards. “We all owe her a huge debt and with the help of others, we want to continue the pioneering work she started. We feel strongly that this needs to be represented in the MOBO Awards.”
The group also highlighted the importance of a rock category in inspiring and encouraging young Black musicians. “This is more than just a category, it’s a message to all young black people, letting them know that they can do and be anything that they choose. That they have more creative options available to them, other than the ones society has offered them.” They continued. “It’s up to us all to give the new generation the tools and encouragement to do so. It’s time to create a different landscape to the one we entered.”
The statement has received an outpouring of support online, with many fans and fellow musicians openly agreeing with the sentiment. “Absolutely agree with this. Black music is so much more than what people assume it to be, and that needs to be celebrated and recognised in general” said one Twitter user. Another chimed in. “Hope it happens, rock/ alternative (and Even metal) needs more representation.”
We see you Nova Twins! Rock and the alternative music genre certainly has its roots in black music and the contributions of talented musicians in this field deserve to be further celebrated (1/2). https://t.co/raEVNkwSYc
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) November 30, 2020
The MOBO Awards soon responded to the statement, reacting positively to the group’s call to action. “We see you Nova Twins! Rock and the alternative music genre certainly has its roots in black music and the contributions of talented musicians in this field deserve to be further celebrated.” The awards responded. “The MOBO Awards Judging Panel have actually discussed this and we will continue to review potential category expansions for future Award ceremonies. We will always do our best to represent Black music talent across a variety of genres.”
The 2020 MOBO Awards are set to be held on the 9th of December, being broadcast on BBC1 at 10.45pm. The awards show will also be live-streamed earlier on in the evening, starting at 7pm.
You can watch the awards show through the link here.
