Jazz singer and songwriter, Gregory Porter has been announced as the first MOBO award winner for 2017, for Outstanding Contribution to Music, ahead of the actual awards night, which takes place in Leeds on 29 November 2017.
The multi-Grammy award winner is one of the biggest selling jazz musicians in the UK and his album, Nat King Cole & Me, debuted at number three in the charts.
The smooth jazz singer dedicated his award to the late Nat King Cole at an intimate event in Gresham Centre, London, where he was honoured.
When accepting his award, the singer declared: “I am truly privileged to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award from the MOBOs. It is a great honour and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career so far. Nat King Cole was my earliest musical inspiration so it seems fitting that I dedicate this award to him.”
Previous winners of the award include Boys II Men and TLC in 2011 and 2012.
Set to perform at this year’s star-studded event will be US rapper Cardi B whose breakout single, Bodak Yellow, has helped establish the rapper’s career.
Additionally, the UK duo, Krept & Konan who took home Best Newcomer five years ago at the 2013 MOBO Awards, will also be taking the stage. Along with newcomer Stefflon Don who is also one of the most nominated acts in this year’s awards.
The annual pre-MOBO Awards Show will take place on November 20. On the night, the winners of the Best R&B/Soul, Best Jazz, Best Gospel and Best Reggae acts will be announced so stay tuned!
MOBO Awards honour for Jazz musician Gregory Porter!
