The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Politics’ force Tinie to pull out
Rapper reveals to fans on Instagram that withdrawal was beyond his control
Tinie Tempah pulled out of his performance at last night’s Mobo Awards because of “music industry politics”.
The British rapper posted a handwritten note on Instagram to say his withdrawal from the show was beyond his control.
The message said: “I will not be performing at this year’s Mobos for reasons that are outside of mine and the Mobos’ control.
“The Mobos is a ceremony I have grown up watching and take pride in.
“It’s given a platform to so many artists who have inspired me. So I always go above and beyond to attend. I am gutted to not be performing.
“I didn’t go into this much detail because I want to have a moan. I wrote this because my music and my culture is very important to me and this has been the same issue year after year.
“It is frustrating when music industry politics dictate my ability to celebrate either.
“It’s been a great year for British music, especially the underground. I will be watching and supporting.” He signed the note “TT.” Earlier Professor Green was announced as a late addition to the line-up.
Hosted by Melvin Odoom and his Kiss Breakfast Show co-host Rickie Haywood Williams, the 21st anniversary award took place in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.
The event has been attended by more than 100,000 music fans since it was established by Kanya King in 1996.
The Mobo – Music of Black Origin – Awards celebrate and honour stars of any ethnicity who create and perform black music.
Performers included garage superstar Craig David, who was first recognised at the Mobos as best newcomer in 2000.
He continued with his triumphant return to music by earning the Best Male award.
This year’s Paving The Way award was given to songwriter and producer Ms Dynamite and Olympic champion boxer Nicola Adams.
The award is designed to celebrate individuals in any field “punching above their weight” and who are creating a path for others to follow.
Boxer Adams said: “I’m really excited. It’s this time of year again. I’ve had a really good year with the gold in Rio and now I’m receiving a lovely award tonight too.
“I was absolutely over the moon when I found out that I was receiving this award. It’s so nice to be receiving it just because I’ve worked so hard and paving the way for other girls so they don’t have to struggle coming up in boxing and there’s a path for them to follow.”