Autumn Black HistoryEmerging Black Culture Artists What:October marks the fall’s Black History month, with many award shows paying tribute to existing and upcoming artists whose music taps global black culture.

The Dirt:
Britain’s MOBO Awards show proves that Black culture, specifically music, touches all humans across the globe. The awards show that stands for Music of Black Origin began in 1996 and has been going strong ever since. On October 15, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) will air the 13th annual MOBO Awards with hosts Rev Run and Mel B. Unlike some award shows, this one breaks down talent into a diverse group of genres ranging from Best UK Newcomer and Best Club DJ to Best Gospel and Best African Act. To top it off, this year, MOBO created its first MOBO Black Music Panel, featuring a variety of executives from radio DJs to BBC producers to the head of MTV Base to journalists from varying publications.

The MOBO awards demonstrates that music of black origins runs the gamut from jazz, hip-hop and gospel to reggae, African and R&B. The big names still make an appearance on the nomination lists, such as Dizzee Rascal, Jay Sean and Leona Lewis. Then there are the folks that by their appearance would be judged as pop stars, but in fact, take cues from soul, rhythm and blues and the meeting of punk, dance and hip-hip. Take Duffy’s song Mercy or Warwick Avenue, which clearly echoes of the painful soul tunes of heartbreak. Or the young emerging artist Adele, whose porcelain skin might disguise onlookers, but whose Right As Rain track conjures the image of backup girls swaying and cooing, sharing the feeling of love lost, that seems to be inspired by Gladys Knights & The Pips and the softer, original R&B sound. Or, take the Sri Lankan-born U.K.-raised superstar M.I.A., whose funky music has been gaining momentum for over five years. Then add the international category, whcih covers the popular stars known all over the world, including Mariah Carey, Akon and Ne-Yo, among others. But, it’s the Best African Act category that has us tuned into iTunes UK.

This category serves as a wakeup call to show the world that there is more coming out of Nigeria than oil conflict. Both 9ice and Asa have catchy singles, the former exhibiting R&B and hip-hop sounds and the latter offering a playlist for fans of Corinne Bailey Rae and Norah Jones. 9ice’s catchy single Gongo Aso is so addictive you won’t care that it’s not in English. Asa’s Jailer speaks of humanity and injustice but the peaceful rhythm serves as a means to musical magical realism. The MOBO Awards show teaches listeners all over the world to listen not look, and appreciate the music over the person through the creation of many genre categories and the inclusion of musicians from all races.

Bonus:
BET Networks hosts the Hip Hop Awards on October 18 in Atlanta, Georgia, and airs on BET on October 23. The network is also hosting two panel discussions October 17-18 at Clark Atlanta University that will focus on teaching the youth about understanding finance, civil and women’s rights, and getting younger generations involved in politics. Participants include Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, journalist Michaela Angela Davis, activist Moya Bailey, Brown University Professor Tricia Rose, Ludacris and more.

Where:
For more information on the MOBO Awards, visit the MOBO website.

Picture of Asa courtesy of Naïve.