Damian Marley wins MOBO reggae award
Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley walked away with the Best Reggae Act award at the Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards on Wednesday.
The Nail Pan Cross singer denied Popcaan a third straight win after the deejay won the category in 2015 and 2016.
Marley also held back competition from Chronixx, Aidonia and Alkaline to emerge the winner at the 22nd anniversary of the awards.
The announcement was made at the ceremony held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom, on Wednesday. Marley, who had a total of six nominations in the category, last won the award in 2005.
He has been making a strong return to the music scene recently after remaining relatively quiet for a number of years.
Marley is nominated for Best Reggae Album in the upcoming Grammy Awards. His album Stony Hill has been topping several charts across the globe and has been receiving rave reviews from music critics worldwide.
The Best Reggae Act category has been a part of the MOBO Awards since 1997. So far, local acts such as Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Mr Vegas and Popcaan have won it.
The MOBO Awards recognise the achievements of artistes performing in genres such as hip hop, soul, jazz, gospel, reggae and R&B.
The MOBO Organisation was founded in 1996 to champion and elevate urban music genres in the mainstream music industry.
MOBO has played an instrumental role in the careers of UK artistes like Craig David, Tinie Tempah, Krept and Konan, Ms Dynamite, Estelle and Emeli Sande, giving them a platform on their journey to international
success.