MOBO Duo-light for Bailey Rae

Last night RWD saw with our very own peepers Music of Black Origin celebrated in… London’s Royal Albert Hall. The home to concerts and swish events never looked so good (we’re sure the ballets and sh*t look amazing but that just ain’t us). The 9pm kick-off turned into a 9somthing one for most of the audience, the majority were on BPT. The biggest plus of the night was from host Gina Yashere who was very funny from the off… but what was Coolio on? For those post-Gangster’s Paradise youngsters that don’t know who Coolio is and why was he there, don’t worry neither do we.
The first performance of the night came from Bajan beauty Rihanna; who gave us a live version of Unfaithful – which apparently sounded better on BBC Three. As we sipped on champs, wine and anything we could find in our second tier boxes (please note the word ‘box’ is plural, you know how we roll) we also witnessed Corinne Bailey Rae who was definitely ‘Like a Star’ that night. Coming straight from her US tour the Leeds native let loose with Put Your Record On and shone with her band – just before collecting Best UK Newcomer and Best UK Female.
Those who eventually found their seats soon injured performances from former Destiny’s Childer Letoya who was unfortunately upstaged by her dancers. Lack of post-start alcohol soon had the better of the crowd who later boo’d her former band member Beyoncé – as her name was read out for Best International Female. Please note, RWD did not boo, as most of us were too busy looking for more expensive crisps. Another highlight soon had us clapping though as Lemar scooped Best UK male and performed with the aid of pyrotechnics his latest single, It’s Not That Easy.
Last year’s winner Sway upped his speed and performed (you guessed it) Up Your Speed alongside Pyrelli. Just before he came out, the helpers crashed his Ferrari-based props into the set but that didn’t stop the swaying audience stand up and dance (at the shaded madman Coolio’s request). Despite losing out to Akala for Best Hip Hop Act it was another and rare plus, maybe he'll win next year. That’s probably what Busta Rhymes, Kano and Kanye West are thinking too. Meanwhile Reggie Yates was speaking to the likes of Jamelia, Keisha White and Westwood (if anyone can translate what Mr Pimp My Ride UK was actually saying please send a transcript to staff@rwdmag.com [subject: WTF], here’s a hint – something about having the same colour laces as his Lamborghini???)
After the event we made our way home or to the Piccadilly based afterparty – where Sway and others mingled as one big happy family. As you can see from lack of afterparty gossip I made my way home. Members of the team tell me it was very cool and the only goss’ I have is that there were FREE Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I wish I went now.

True Stories

Words by Danny ‘I Should Have Gone Straight For the FREE Doughnuts’ Walker

Catch the 11th MOBO Awards on BBC1 tomorrow at 11.35pm for more info check http://www.mobo.com/Awards.html