MOBO is proud to announce the Top 10 finalists for the 2023 edition of its MOBO UnSung competition, the industry-leading nationwide emerging talent competition and artist development programme for the country’s best unsigned emerging acts producing original work.
MOBO names Ace Clvrk, Bea Anderson, DEJA, Josh Barry, Kaniva, NEONE The Wonderer, Young Athena, Gabriel Sanches, Melica and Shack Santima as its 10 finalists for MOBO UnSung 2023. Hailing from London, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Manchester, as well as representing a variety of genres ranging from Alt Pop and Hip Hop to R&B and Reggae, the MOBO UnSung Class of 2023 is the most eclectic collective of UnSung finalists yet! To discover more about each 2023 UnSung finalist, please click here.
This year’s MOBO UnSung competition also introduced an exciting new gateway for emerging artists to apply. For the first time ever, artists could apply for MOBO UnSung via TikTok. The result delivered a wider and broader pool of potential future superstars, and led to the discovery of 3 of the 10 finalists from the UnSung Class of 2023: Gabriel Sanches, Melica and Shack Santima.
Over the next month, MOBO will be releasing freestyles, acoustic performances, interviews and more with each UnSung finalist.
The 10 finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2023, will go on to enter a year-long artist development programme and receive money-can’t-buy opportunities including one-on-one mentorship, group masterclasses and support with the release, promotion, strategy and distribution of their own music via TikTok’s SoundOn. Marshall will continue its on-going support for UnSung artists via access to their world-class recording studio, backing from its Record Label and Live Agency with performance and networking opportunities, as well as use of Marshall’s leading products. The 10 acts will also have the chance to access up to £3,000 of financial support, as well as business advice, to enable them to create new music and share it with the world, through the MOBO Help Musicians’ Fund.
“The response to this year’s MOBO UnSung programme has been nothing short of extraordinary and it’s a testament to the boundless talent that exists within the music industry. The caliber of applicants we received was awe-inspiring and it’s clear that we are witnessing a transformative moment in music history. I eagerly await the journeys of each of these remarkable artists as they embark on the UnSung artist development programme. Together, we will witness their evolution and progression in the years to come as they break through and make their mark in the industry, “
Kanya King CBE, Founder & CEO of MOBO, MOBOLISE and MOBO UnSung
In line with MOBO ethos, MOBO UnSung aims to motivate, elevate and celebrate emerging talent by providing priceless opportunities which significantly contribute to their personal and creative development whilst improving their understanding of the music industry and increasing representation – as part of MOBO’s growing portfolio of activities that offer additional platforms and opportunities to exceptional talent across the creative industries. MOBO UnSung Alumni include Tiana Major9, Juls, Tion Wayne, Jacob Banks, Mic Lowry, #AltMusic featured artist Jordan Adetunji and MOBO Award winner Nadia Rose.
UnSung fans will be able to join the conversation by using #MOBOUnSung and following @moboofficial on TikTok and @MOBOawards across all other social channels. Fans can also follow the behind the scenes action on @soundon.
For more information, please contact press@mobo.com / unsung@mobo.com or visit mobo.com/unsung.
