Glasgow not 'too white' for Mobos

N-Dubz has four nominations along with rapper Chipmunk

The founder of the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards has rejected comments that Glasgow is a "very white" city in which to host the event.

Kanya King spoke out after former Mobo panellist Paul McKenzie told a newspaper that "Leeds, Cardiff or Birmingham would have made more sense".

She said taking the ceremony outside London for the first time and staging it in Scotland was the right decision.

The 14th annual Mobos gets under way at Glasgow's SECC on Wednesday.

Mr McKenzie said the city was "not a big draw" for big-name artists.

"Glasgow just isn't sexy and it's a very white city," he said.

Eminem, Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Akon and Mariah Carey will not appear at the event, despite being nominated.

Glasgow is full of great music. Glasgow is sexy. We have got all the coolest stars coming here. There is real passion for music here

Kanya King

Home-grown stars such as triple chart-topper Dizzee Rascal and Alesha Dixon are also not expected to appear.

But speaking at a Mobo launch party in Glasgow, Ms King said she was "exhilarated" to be in the city.

"I have been to the venue and the stage looks amazing. All the artists are arriving now and we're just warming up," she said.

"Glasgow is full of great music. Glasgow is sexy. We have got all the coolest stars coming here. There is real passion for music here.

"We are going to show them sexy, we are going to show them cool, we are going to show them passion."

Jackson tribute

Pop trio N-Dubz and rapper Chipmunk lead the field for this year's Mobo Awards, picking up four nominations each.

The acts, both from London, will compete against each other for best UK act and best song.

The awards will be co-hosted by Radio 1's Reggie Yates and US R'n'B act Keri Hilson, with the winners chosen by public vote.

This year's ceremony will pay tribute to Michael Jackson, with Latoya and Jermaine Jackson performing on stage in memory of their brother.

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