Today the MOBO Awards are delighted to announce, ahead of their 14th annual ceremony on the 30TH September, that the ‘BEMOBO’ Award will be presented to War Child. Selected for its ongoing commitment to children suffering from the most brutal effects of war in the world’s harshest war zones and the outstanding results it has achieved through music and music therapy since its inception in 1993, War Child reflects the MOBO message of music as a positive force to affect change.

At this year’s prestigious ceremony, the cream of urban talent known collectively as the Young Soul Rebels will perform “I Got Soul”.  Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz, Chipmunk, V.V. Brown, Ironik, Bashy, Frankmusic, Mpho, McLean, Kid British and Egypt will hit the MOBO stage to perform the single on live television for the first time EVER to raise awareness of plight of children across the world affected by war.  The single due to be released on the 19th October through Island Records, is the first ever War Child single.

Now in its fourth year, to highlight the work of grass roots, community and educational projects, the “Be MOBO” award was created to acknowledge social responsibility.  

CEO and founder of the MOBO Awards, Kanya King comments – “MOBO introduced the BeMOBO Award four years ago in recognition of our wider social role beyond the parameters of music.  War Child as an organisation mirrors MOBO's own strong belief in music as a powerful force of positivity, and their commendable work on credible music projects, such as Young Soul Rebels, with the aim of inspiring change is something that MOBO is proud to recognise by honouring them with this year's BeMOBO Award.“

She continues – “If the Young Soul Rebels single encourages just a handful of teenagers in the UK to think about the struggle their peers face across the world, it will be worth it.”

Proceeds from the single will go directly to the charity War Child that operates in countries across the world including Afghanistan, Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Mark Waddington, War Child’s CEO, says: “War Child is delighted to be receiving the BeMOBO Award in recognition of our work with children in the world’s harshest war zones, and for our work with music in the UK. Highlighting the unacceptable impact of war on children has never been more important.

It’s also perfect timing before the release of our debut single, ‘I Got Soul’. The likes of Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz, Chimpunk and Ironik coming together to say something about child soldiers underlines the positive influence these artists can have on young people in Britain.
We’ve been lucky enough to have over a decade’s support in raising funds and awareness from top MOBO artists, from Stevie Wonder and Massive Attack to Sugababes and Estelle, so to have our new track as a part of this year’s show is a real honour.”

Visit www.mobo.com for show, ticket and travel information, as well as exclusive MOBO content.
Read the attached press release for full details.