MOBO Fringe: Grab the chance to see rising talent on Tyneside
Previous finalists of the MOBO UnSung awards have gone on to grab Grammy nominations, MOBOs and more. Simon Rushworth introduces the class of 2025 ahead of Monday’s must-attend Newcastle showcase
When Keedz rocked up on the BBC1Xtra stage at the Leeds and Reading festivals a few years back, a jaw-dropping set oozed genuine class and some serious sass. The rap and grime star held festival crowds in the palm of her hand as she brought her Afro-inspired influences to the table.
Abbey Road Institute graduate Mar!k is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist renowned for pushing the boundaries within the sphere of alternative and experimental music. Tofunmi Adorna, meanwhile, is a rising star of gospel and soul who was crowned Best Newcomer at the Premier Gospel Awards and she’s already graced the Royal Albert Hall stage.
Three of the brightest stars on the black music scene are among the 10-strong MOBO UnSung Class of 2025 — a who’s who of fast-rising talent ready to rock up in Newcastle as part of this year’s eye-catching MOBO Fringe, which kicks off tonight (Thursday) with a launch event at The Glasshouse.
Pilgrim — a venue synonymous with supporting music of black origin for decades in its former guise of Hoochie Coochie — is the proud host of what promises to be a night to remember for North East music fans.
And venue co-owner Michael Lavery, who knows a thing or two about silky rhythms as a musical director and as frontman of North East soulsters groovetrain, can’t wait to welcome a clutch of talented artists to the cradle of black music in the region.
“We're delighted that our commitment to and passion for music in these genres has been recognised by the MOBOs team, who we've been talking to — and building a relationship with — since last year,” he said.
“I think it's important that venues like Pilgrim and World Headquarters have been recognised for their longstanding commitment to diversity and for providing a safe and nurturing space for music of black origin and all those in our communities who live this music.
“The artists who’ve been inducted into the MOBO UnSung Class of 2025 are all operating at the top of their game but they’re all aspiring to get to the next level. It’s a fabulous opportunity for the people of Newcastle to experience these exciting artists up close and personal on a stage that’s welcomed the likes of Chaka Khan, Gregory Porter, Don Letts, Angie Stone, and Candi Staton in the past.”
Lagos-born, London-based, and raised in Laois, Caleb Kunle’s music is a melting pot of cultures and sounds. The face of modern soul, funk and jazz looks like a perfect fit for Pilgrim while Morgan Munroe’s contemporary RnB captivates 33,000 monthly Spotify listeners.
As members of the MOBO UnSung Class of 2025 both are embarking on a nine-month artist development programme — receiving invaluable mentorship, studio time, marketing and promotional support, live performance opportunities, financial grants, legal and business training, networking with industry professionals and more.
Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO, said: “MOBO UnSung continues to be one of the most exciting platforms for emerging talent, uncovering the next generation of stars and providing them with opportunities that are truly game-changing.
“We are so proud of this year’s finalists and we cannot wait to see their journeys unfold. With the incredible support of Marshall, PRS Foundation and all of our partners and supporters, we are giving these artists the tools they need to thrive in today’s music industry and beyond. Watch this space — these artists are about to make serious waves!”
While Michael admits a nod to North East talent would have been the icing on the cake he feels it’s only a matter of time before the region’s burgeoning black music scene begins to make its presence felt nationally and internationally.
Pilgrim is a passionate advocate for nurturing the next generation and many of the local acts packing various MOBO fringe events this month have played live at the venue — with some familiar faces expected to be checking out their peers at the UnSung gig.
“We’re very proud to be a venue synonymous with hosting established performing artists but with the UnSung opportunity we’re also being recognised for our contribution to supporting emerging artists from the North East,” he added.
“It’s something we’ve been doubling down on since taking over in September. We’re also somewhere touring artists from outside the region can visit and be guaranteed a warm welcome and a positive experience.
“In terms of supporting local talent we’ve already hosted Kay Greyson’s album launch and had the likes of Georgia May — whose brilliant new single Heavy is out now — Sisi, the Soul’d Out soul band, SwanNek, Rivkala, Jamilah and Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir perform at Pilgrim.
“It’s also fantastic to see all of the brilliant Newcastle artists appearing on the MOBO Fringe. They’re all friends of Pilgrim and have all performed at Hoochie Coochie and Pilgrim over the years.”
Whether the best of the North East’s music of black origin is on the cusp of wider acclaim remains to be seen but bringing the MOBOs to Newcastle can only help.
Witnessing the likes of rapper Flintz, neo-soul star Siobhan Élouise, retro RnB queen VALNTNA, spoken word disruptor Brokenpen, the charismatic Gia Gray and the rest of UnSung’s class of 2025 perform at Pilgrim can only inspire the region’s deep pool of passionate and aspirational artists.
Jordan Adetunji, a MOBO UnSung Class of 2022 finalist, has since earned both MOBO Awards and Grammy nominations, marking him as one of the most exciting new artists on the rise. Tiana Major9, another UnSung alumna, has firmly established herself as an RnB powerhouse, garnering critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
And Juls, who was part of the MOBO UnSung journey early in his career, is now a MOBO Award nominee for Best Producer in 2025, cementing his status as one of the most influential producers in the game. Meanwhile, Tion Wayne, a former MOBO UnSung finalist, has gone on to become a MOBO Award winner and one of the UK’s biggest rap stars, dominating charts and festivals alike.
“I lead on all the programming and Pilgrim and we are committed to investing in our artists — and in our sound system and backline equipment — to give them the best experience and to connect our audiences to the music that they love,” added Michael. “We're delighted that the passion, professionalism and expertise that we take such pride in has been recognised by the MOBOs team.
“Monday will be a fantastic event and a golden opportunity to shine a light on Newcastle as an energetic, supportive and ambitious music city.”
Visit pilgrimncl.music for details on how to claim your FREE tickets to the MOBO UnSung Class of 2025 event.
For full details of the MOBO Fringe programme, which runs from February 13 to 17, visit the MOBO website, where you can also find details of the main event MOBO Awards at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18.