Mobo announce UK-wide tour in honour of So Solid Crew

MOBO together with HTC is thrilled to announce a UK-wide tour in honour of legendary UK collective So Solid Crew. Following the group’s immense success at the heart of the UK urban scene, they will take to the stage for the last time in support of their anticipated ‘Best Of…’ release. Since exploding into the charts in 2001 with their genre defining no. 1 single ’21 Seconds’, the group went on to define a generation of urban music and now, following the release of their new album ‘Solid Soul: The Best of So Solid’, they will be returning to headline the MOBO Tour, providing fans with their very last chance to see them perform together as a collective.

So Solid will be taking to the stage at this year’s MOBO Awards 18th anniversary show 19th October in Glasgow at the newly opened SSE Hydro. The show will be the second time the group has performed on stage in Glasgow for the MOBO Awards, their performance in 2011 has been hailed as one of the most iconic moments in MOBO history. A long-standing supporter of the awards, Megaman has made no secret of the group’s excitement about taking to the arena stage ahead of their tour. He commented:

“MOBO has played a vital part in our careers over the past twelve years, and we’ve been lucky enough to win on a number of occasions which is a massive achievement for us. Being back on stage in Glasgow this year will be a seminal moment for us and we couldn’t ask for a bigger send off! We’re got some pretty amazing surprises in store for the show too, so fans won’t be disappointed.”

Now over a decade later and after numerous Top 10 hits like ‘They Don’t Know’ and ‘Haters’, So Solid (Megaman, Harvey, Lisa Maffia, Romeo, Swiss, Oxide and Neutrino et al) remain in the hearts and minds of longstanding and new fans alike. With their continuing popularity remaining as strong as ever, they recently sold out a show at indig02 in less than 24 hours.

The forthcoming tour will see them perform in London at The O2, then regionally in Manchester, Sheffield, Norwich and Birmingham as part of the MOBO Tour. In addition to the named support acts they will also be joined by a hand picked selection of new and emerging urban artists that MOBO want to champion and support. 

TOUR DATES

·      13th Nov: Manchester, The Ritz
·      14th Nov: London, The O2
·      16th Nov: Sheffield, The Plug
·      18th Nov: Norwich, Waterfront
·      19th Nov: Birmingham, The Institute (The Library)

Tickets for the MOBO Tour can be purchased from the below ticket sellers

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/So-Solid-Crew-tickets/artist/1822595
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/artist/so-solid-crew-tickets/915482

http://www.theo2.co.uk/event/so-solid-crew-20131005.html

Liverpool's GIT Award returns for 2013 after putting city's new music on national radar

‘Scouse Mercury Prize’ teams up with MOBO Award winner and former GIT Award nominee Esco Williams for November 16 launch party at Leaf’s Grey Space

Liverpool’s premier new music prize returns on Friday November 16 after the inaugural prize - widely considered as putting the city firmly back on the world’s music map – was hailed a huge success.

Launched in November 2011, The 2012 GIT Award, founded by Liverpool-based blog Getintothis, captured the music industry’s imagination. Dubbed the ‘Scouse Mercury Prize,’ The GIT Award became the first regional award of its kind to champion new and emerging music.

Collaborating with over 80 companies from Merseyside and the national music industry, the Award showcased Liverpool’s rich musical diversity, from the thriving hip hop scene to its electronica artists, from its long-established country and roots community to punk, folk and metal.

The result was a showcase which captured the world's music press garnering coverage from the BBC, MTV, the national print and online press, the UK music industry and the cornerstones of Liverpool's media.

Last year’s GIT Award helped to bring Liverpool’s music scene to national attention - I’m pleased to see it back this year and can’t wait to get involved again - NME.

The GIT Award - what a blast! A great way for a city bursting with talent to show off its wares and make sure it holds its crown as the most innovative and original musical conglomeration in the UK - The Guardian.

The 2013 award, which launches on 16 November this year, is no different. The GIT Award judges, which include The NME, The Quietus, Liverpool Football Club and the cornerstones of the Liverpool music and arts scene, will seek to find the very best new music emanating from within Merseyside’s melting pot of creativity.

For November’s launch organisers have teamed up with one of the big success stories of the first GIT Award, Esco Williams for the launch of his debut single The New Challenger.
 

Since his nomination, Toxteth-born Williams has gone from virtual unknown to a MOBO Award winner and for this year’s GIT Award launch organisers will host a special party in collaboration with Esco at Leaf's Grade II Listed Grey Space on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

Peter Guy, Liverpool ECHO journalist and editor of Getintothis, said: “The GIT Award is once again open to all. I want the prize to appeal to everyone from bedroom musicians to those with record deals, all we’re asking is for Merseyside musicians to send us their four tracks and who knows who will make the shortlist this year.

“For November’s launch, we’ve teamed up with Esco Williams as he’s a fine example of what the GIT Award aims to do; champion new Liverpool music. Esco went from promising performer to capturing the national media's attention and now he’s won a MOBO Award. His story is mirrored by many of last year's nominees. Let’s hope this year’s GIT Award finds a few more hidden gems.”

Liverpool music lovers know their city is home to some of the finest creative talent in the world. However, eyes and ears elsewhere may need convincing. The inaugural GIT Award readdressed all that and returns for 2013 to build on this success.

Musicians, bands and creative types who would like to enter for this year’s prize are asked to send four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com or alternatively post to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB.

Businesses who would like to get involved with the GIT Award can email getintothis@gmail.com for more information.

Closing date Spring 2013 with the overall winner of the GIT Award and Inspiration Award to be announced in April 2013.

Victizzle releases second single Rumours

Mobo award winning Victizzle releases second single Rumours

Hailing from humble beginnings, Victizzle initially began to produce at a very young age alongside his close friend Mark Asari (1/3 of UK boy band Encore), progressing to produce for MOBO award winners Guvna B and G Force and MOBO nominees Faith Child and JayEss. As one of the most prominent names within the gospel music sphere, 22 year old Victizzle is now busy earning his deserved respect within the mainstream arena. He is the genius behind the hit single "iSing", which has accrued over 100,000 YouTube views and claimed the title as one of the biggest singles to ever have been released within the UK gospel scene. Since, his creation of excellently unequivocal music has propelled him into the mainstream spotlight, leading him to tour the UK (including dates at the Hackney Empire and indig02), the USA and the exotic St. Lucia, in addition to performing in countries such as Ireland and Germany. Awards soon followed, with a prestigious MOBO award and UMA nomination sitting firmly under his belt.

More recently, Victizzle has been producing for a variety of artists including Teezy and Paigey Cakey (who featured in the 2011 UK Blockbuster "Attack The Block"). He's also worked with Adulthood's Snakeyman, co­-produced Ghetts' recent underground smash 'On a Level', and is also the producer, creative director and mentor for the up and coming Franklyn Music. His musical acclaim and credibility makes his opinion so valid that he was chosen to be a panelist for a talent competition entitled "Time to Shine", in which he also produced the TV opening theme song for.

Now looking forward to 2012, Victizzle endeavors to take his music even further with the release of the 'Misfit' EP, a self produced, 7 track project spanning hip hop, RnB, grime and pop genres. Featuring flawless production and composition, the EP sees Victizzle touching on a variety of concepts with typically charismatic vocal performances and accomplished delivery.

'Rumours' is the second single from the EP, and sees Vic riding a half-tempo, pulsating instrumental with an effortlessly charismatic delivery. The single is accompanied by a cartoon-styled video courtesy of director Aaron Adeleke, and is set to continue Victizzle's 2012 promotional push in emphatic fashion.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

THE 'MISFIT' EP IS AVAILABLE NOW VIA ITUNES.

For more information on Victizzle please visit:
http://www.victizzlemusic.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victizzle/16252114703
https://twitter.com/#!/victizzlemusic

Victizzle releases single Free Style Me Style

MOBO award winning recording artist Victor "Victizzle" Akata drops 'Free Style Me Style', the first single from his brand new, 7 track EP 'Misfit'. Comprised of eclectic synthesizer / string led melodies and pulsating beats, the single acts as the perfect introduction to the inimitable sound of Victizzle.

Hailing from humble beginnings, Victizzle initially began to produce at a very young age alongside his close friend Mark Asari (1/3 of UK boy band Encore), progressing to produce for MOBO award winners Guvna B and G Force and MOBO nominees Faith Child and JayEss. As one of the most prominent names within the gospel music sphere, 22 year old Victizzle is now busy earning his deserved respect within the mainstream arena. He is the genius behind the hit single "iSing", which has accrued over 100,000 YouTube views and claimed the title as one of the biggest singles to ever have been released within the UK gospel scene. Since, his creation of excellently unequivocal music has propelled him into the mainstream spotlight, leading him to tour the UK (including dates at the Hackney Empire and indig02), the USA and the exotic St. Lucia, in addition to performing in countries such as Ireland and Germany. Awards soon followed, with a prestigious MOBO award and UMA nomination sitting firmly under his belt.

More recently, Victizzle has been producing for a variety of artists including Teezy and Paigey Cakey (who featured in the 2011 UK Blockbuster "Attack The Block"). He's also worked with Adulthood's Snakeyman, co­-produced Ghetts' recent underground smash 'On a Level', and is also the producer, creative director and mentor for the up and coming Franklyn Music. His musical acclaim and credibility makes his opinion so valid that he was chosen to be a panelist for a talent competition entitled "Time to Shine", in which he also produced the TV opening theme song for.

Now looking forward to 2012, Victizzle endeavors to take his music even further with the release of the 'Misfit' EP, a self produced, 7 track project spanning hip hop, RnB, grime and pop genres. Featuring flawless production and composition, the EP sees Victizzle touching on a variety of concepts with typically charismatic vocal performances and accomplished delivery. 'Free Style Me Style' is the lead single from the highly anticipated EP, and is bound to generate an unprecedented buzz for Victizzle this spring.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

THE 'MISFIT' EP IS AVAILABLE NOW VIA ITUNES.

For more information on Victizzle please visit:

http://www.victizzlemusic.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victizzle/16252114703

https://twitter.com/#!/victizzlemusic

The MOBO free Tour 2012

The MOBO Organisation & Urban Development present

In association with PRS for Music Foundation and Arts Council of England

By arrangement with SJM Concerts

FIRST NAMES ANNOUNCED ARE LADY LESHURR AND CLEMENT MARFO & THE FRONTLINE WITH MORE NAMES TO COME EARLY 2012        

INDUSTRY TAKEOVER TO PROVIDE FREE WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ACROSS THE UK MOBO UNSUNG COMPETITION LAUNCHES TO UNEARTH REGIONAL TALENT

MOBO.

Urban Development and PRS for Music Foundation are bringing in the New Year early with the announcement of The MOBO Tour 2012.

This free tour is set to travel to eight cities across the UK, offering audiences the opportunity to see some of 2012’s freshest, new, emerging talent on stage and attend industry workshops and seminars (via Industry Takeover @ MOBO Academy). It’s also a chance for undiscovered talent right across the country to get involved in the MOBO Unsung competition. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and PRS for Music Foundation all of this will be provided for FREE.

Kicking off on February 22 in Birmingham, the tour will travel across the country and bring together the best of the UK’s new Urban talent. The first names to be announced are breakthrough MC Lady Leshurr (tipped to do big things in 2012 by RWD Magazine and Itunes) and MTV Brand New pick for 2012, seven piece hip-hop-rock collective Clement Marfo & The Frontline. A further five names will be confirmed in the New Year.

In addition to bringing the pick of 2012’s most hotly tipped talent to a city near you, The MOBO Tour is also creating the opportunity for brand new, undiscovered talent to win the chance to perform on stage through MOBO Unsung. This nationwide competition is open to enter NOW and all would-be performers need to do to get started is upload a video of themselves performing to YouTube and email the link, embed code and details of which region they live in, to mobounsung@mobo.com.

Entries will be hosted on www.mobo.com/mobotourfor the public to view and a judging panel of industry experts will then select a winner from each UK region, who will take the stage as part of the tour in their local area.

A team of radio DJs will select the MOBO Unsung winner from the 8 regional finalists. This winner will then join an on-line ‘Battle Of The Bands’ competition where they will compete against other newcomers put forward by established artists (but more on this to follow!) with a public vote to select the ultimate ‘battle’ winner.

To further support talent in all areas of the music industry, The MOBO Tour 2012 (with thanks to Urban Development’s ‘Industry Takeover’) will provide workshops and seminars in cities on the day of the show. Industry experts from well respected organisations including SB.TV, RWD Magazine, PRS for Music Foundation, SJM Concerts, artists on the MOBO Tour and more will all be sharing their insider industry knowledge, answering questions and offering advice to audiences across the country. And all for FREE.

The MOBO Tour, seminars, workshops and Unsung competition highlights all partners’ efforts to support, guide and nurture new and developing talent across the UK.

CATCH THE TOUR, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

                       GIG VENUE                            INDUSTRY TAKEOVER         CITY

Feb 22         Library HMV Institute           MAC                                Birmingham

Feb 23          Manchester Academy 3       N/A                                 Manchester

Feb 24          O₂ Academy2                     Venue TBC                       Liverpool

Feb 25          The Garage                       The Mitchell Library             Glasgow

Feb 27           O₂ Academy2                     The Sage                         Newcastle

Feb 28           O₂ Academy2                     Watershed                       Bristol

Feb 29           O₂ Academy2                     Red Bull Studios                 Islington

March 1         Waterfront                        N/A                                 Norwich

TO APPLY FOR YOUR FREE TICKET FOR THE MOBO TOUR OR INDUSTRY TAKEOVER VISIT:

www.mobo.com/mobotour

TO ENTER THE MOBO UNSUNG COMPETITION PLEASE EMAIL ENTRIES TO: mobounsung@mobo.com

ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION MUST BE RECEIVED BY 15^TH JANUARY TO BE ELIGIBLE. PLEASE STATE YOUR NEAREST MOBO TOUR CITY WITH YOUR ENTRY.

Seun Kuti live in Liverpool at The Kazimier on 3rd November

SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80

Nominated for a MOBO Award for ‘Best African Act’ 2011 

New single RISE remixed by Swizz Beatz out 7th November 

Live at Koko 4th November  

‘If Seun and Egypt 80 are performing near you, just get yourself in there’ 

Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio1)

After the acclaimed release of his latest album ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise’ (Because Music) and his rave appearances at the Royal Festival Hall and on BBC Later with Jools Holland earlier this year, Seun Anikulapo Kuti returns to the UK for two live appearances this November. 

Seun Anikulapo Kuti will be appearing with his fourteen-piece band, Egypt 80, on the following dates:

Thursday 3 November

The Kazimier

4-5 Wolstenholme Square 

Liverpool, L1 4JJ

http://www.thekazimier.co.uk/

Friday 4 November 

Koko

1A Camden High Street, 

London, NW1 7JE

Doors 7pm

Tickets: £22.50 https://agmp.ticketabc.com/events/seun-kuti-egypt-80/

The youngest son of legendary Nigerian Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, leads his father's former band Egypt 80 and effortlessly makes live again the most original incarnation of Afrobeat. Seun began playing saxophone at age 8 and started as a backup singer for his father in Egypt 80 at age 9. He took over the band at age 15 after his father’s death. Since then, Seun has continued his father’s political and social message while adding his own perspective. "I want to make Afrobeat for my generation,” he says. “Instead of 'get up and fight,' it's going to be ‘get up and think.’”

His latest album “From Africa With Fury” which came out this April was produced by Brian Eno, John Reynolds, and Kuti, with additional production by Godwin Logie.The critically acclaimed album captures Seun and Egypt 80’s extraordinary power, fraught with the scorching rhythms and kinetic funk energy that has earned the band – as ever, under the leadership of alto saxophonist Lekan Animashaun – worldwide acclaim as one of today’s most incendiary live acts. 

The success of Seun’s recent activity in the UK has resulted in a MOBO Award nomination for ‘Best African Act’. The results will be annouced at the MOBO Award ceremony in Glasgow on the 5^th October 2011 

In addition, Seun Kuti will release the blistering ‘Rise’, his first single from the album, on the 7^th November. The package features a remix of the track by the US DJ and rapper, Swizz Beatz.  On ‘Rise’, perhaps the album’s most unequivocal battle cry, Kuti impels listeners to fight “the petroleum companies” that “use our oil to destroy our land,” “the diamond companies” that “use our brothers as slaves for the stone,” and “companies like “Monsanto and Halliburton” which “use their food to make my people hungry.”  But where Fela’s work often featured an explicit call to revolution, Seun’s goal is subtler.  He sees his role as that of an educator, speaking truth to power in order to provoke awareness and debate throughout his beloved homeland.

“In Africa today, most people are struggling in silence,” Seun says.  “The systematic oppression of the people has made them blinded to their reality.  Everybody’s just thinking about survival.  Nobody wants to stand up for anything, everybody just wants to tow the line.  So I’m trying to make people think about these things that they are forgetting.  I want to inspire people to want things to change.”