ONCE again the city is bracing iself to host the MOBO Awards, and to mark the occasion the council is announcing a free, three-day event (28, 29 October and 1 November) which aims to showcase and champion homegrown talent.
Celebrate MOBO will see industry experts from film, music and fashion take part in events which will highlight the influence diversity has had on the culture of Britain - with a special focus on the role Liverpool has played.
Those on their way to Liverpool include BBC Radio 1 DJ Dev, acclaimed actor and rapper Ashley Walters, Head of Editorial at MOBO Natalie Shaw and presenter of FLAVA TV Donatella Valentina.
Sunday 28 October will see the Celebrate MOBO Industry Academy take place at Parr Street Studio 2. A host of professionals will lead three sessions – Radio, TV, Blogs…How to get into the Industry, I’m a Trendsetter, Breaking Out: From Local to National – talking about their experience of the different industries and giving advice to up and coming talent.
Those leading the different debates include Dev, Music Manger for BBC Radio 1Xtra Laura Lukanz, media consultant and agent Ray Paul and Pierre from urban music and entertainment website GRM Daily.
Radio 1 DJ Dev
Dev, said: “I always look forward to coming and working in Liverpool - it's a very creative city and one that always seems to artistically innovate and set trends.”
Following the sessions, which run from midday, there will be acoustic performances from Liverpool acts including MOBO Unsung winner Esco Williams, KOF, Jay Norton and Chelcee Grime.
On the evening of Monday 29 October Celebrate MOBO Black Cinema at FACT, shines a spotlight on local and regional films, documentaries and music videos which hold up a mirror to Liverpool’s impressive black music scene. Hosted by Hollyoaks writer Maurice Bessman, a selection of local short productions will be screened. Ashley Walters, formerly of So Solid Crew, will also be speaking about his acting career and will give advice to those wanting to break into the industry.
Walters said: "I am very happy to be contributing to the Celebrate MOBO activity in Liverpool. I'm looking forward to talking about my path into the film industry and sharing my experiences and tips to succeed, in the hope of inspiring budding film makers, actors and 'creatives'."
Bea Freeman will also be showing her film, Back to the Timepiece, a documentary which focuses on the Fleet Street, Liverpool, nightclub of the 1970s.
To round the events off, the Celebrate MOBO: Debate takes place on Thursday 1 November from 6.30pm-9.30pm at the Museum of Liverpool.
With music as the city’s most famous export, the debate will look at the history of Liverpool’s black music scene, its successes, any barriers which results in the city being under-represented when it comes to this genre of music and what the future holds.
Hosted by actress and presenter Phina Oruche, panellists will include Les Spaine who was one of the most significant British club DJs in the 70s, BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target, Liverpool SoundCity’s music mogul Dave Pichilingi and Dr Brett Lashua who specialises in popular culture.
All three events have limited spaces which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. For full details of the programme and to book your place visit here.
All Celebrate MOBO events have been organised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with FACT, National Museums Liverpool and ACME.
*The 17th Annual MOBO Awards take place at the Echo Arena Liverpool on Saturday 3 November.
