Marshall Amplification commit to a transformational investment over 5 years
 

Significant increase in support for the next generation of music and greater opportunities for MOBO UnSung finalists.
Competition now open to enter. 
 
The MOBO Organisation is proud to launch MOBO UnSung 2021, its emerging talent competition with new support from Marshall and PRS Foundation, who have been involved for the past 10 years. 
 
The last edition of MOBO UnSung saw Leeds´ rapper Graft crowned the winner. He has since gone on to win Rap Game UK, received support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and performed at the Reading & Leeds festivals. 
 
This year's competition is now open for entrants at MOBO.com/UnSung and is set to go a little louder with promised investment from British manufacturer and music heavyweight Marshall Amplification.
 
MOBO UnSung is one of the country’s strongest talent competitions for unsigned artists producing original work. MOBO is best known for providing the first TV platforms for exceptional talent, greatly contributing to the success of artists like Stormzy, Rita Ora, Craig David, Amy Winehouse, Emeli Sandé, Krept and Konan, Lady Leshurr to name but a few, whilst supporting and elevating new and exceptional talent through our MOBO UnSung programme.
 
Speaking on the newly-formed partnership, Jon Ellery, Managing Director of Marshall Amplification comments: 
 
‘For us, this investment is a no brainer. As highlighted by Nova Twins over the last year, Rock and Alternative music have influence from Music of Black Origin. Rhythm and Blues from Muddy Walters, Chuck Berry, BB King, Sister Rosetta Tharpe pioneered the way for the great bands that came through Jim’s shop and the Ealing Blues Club.’

‘We are supporting MOBO’s UnSung as part of our on-going commitment to emerging talent, this investment is not just monetary; it includes access to our new world class Recording Studio, help from our Record Label and Live Agency, as well as use of Marshall’s leading products. It is a great step in getting Rock and Alternative music to become more inclusive.’ 
 
Kanya King, Founder and CEO of MOBO, added: 
 
´We are delighted to welcome Marshall as a fantastic partner with a great history in supporting talent. It was just a matter of time until our worlds collided. I have no doubt this new partnership will add so much value to so many young artists and in particular will also positively influence the number of entries to the MOBO UnSung competition in Alternative Music, Rock and other genres, thus supporting an even broader selection of music. It is a really proud day in the history of UnSung.´
 
With the 2021 edition of the MOBO UnSung competition gearing up to commence, it aims to motivate and elevate emerging talent by giving them fantastic opportunities whilst developing their understanding in the industry. 
 
This nationwide search for exceptional unsigned talent culminates in 10 finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2021. 
 
To kick start their UnSung journey, this year’s finalists will all be attending the upcoming MOBO Awards, allowing them the opportunity to network with the best in today’s Music Industry. Following the show, MOBO and its music industry partners will facilitate a year-long artist development programme, which will include opportunities for studio time, career mentoring, music production, live representation and A&R guidance. 
 
For artists who need support in navigating around the music world - this is a door opening opportunity not to be missed as Graft commented:  
 

´MOBO UnSung was the first prestigious award I’ve won in my career so far. It was a momentous impetus to propelling my music career. As a young, unsigned artist to be acknowledged by the MOBO’s, an organisation with rich history and universal impact, it exposed me to more eyes within the music industry, endless opportunities and frequently opened more doors for me through the support of MOBO UnSung. 
 

As an artist, all I want is to be heard. To share my art with the world. MOBO UnSung was the best supportive hand earlier in my career, to help me on my journey to achieve that. To be backed by the MOBO’s already sets me apart from my peers. For all the support from MOBO in my music career, I thank them eternally´. 
 
For more information, please contact:
press@mobo.com 
 
Notes to editors:
About MOBO Organisation
The MOBO Awards were established in 1996 by Kanya King CBE to motivate, elevate and celebrate the outstanding achievements of artists in under-served musical genres, from gospel, jazz, soul, RnB and reggae to hip hop (and later grime and afrobeats). Now in its 25th year, MOBO is a pioneer in its field, a movement and has developed into much more than just an awards ceremony, it is now an iconic, year-round, agenda-setting global brand that successfully champions diversity and inclusion in music and broader cultural arenas. It strives to support emerging and independent talent (through a.o. UnSung and the MOBO Help Musicians Fund) and has provided an early platform for some of the nation’s most-loved artists, from Amy Winehouse and Emeli Sandé to Sam Smith, Stormzy,  Skepta, etc. MOBO pursues its purpose to create more opportunities and access for diverse talent across the creative industries in film, TV, fashion, art and media. A drive to deliver social and cultural change is embedded in the organisation’s DNA. With an ongoing successful talent development programme, a number of Executive Fellowships in the creative workplace and a host of annual training and educational opportunities for young people, MOBO influences the lives of countless people every year. In 2016, the charitable foundation MOBO Trust was established to support young people realise their potential in a wide range of disciplines within the creative sector. 
 
MOBO´s latest venture, about to be launched, is a revolutionary new platform, MOBOLISE; a digital platform to connect black talent, with the best career opportunities, within the most forward-thinking organisations.  Powered by Accenture, the MOBOLISE platform is backed by UK talent that already includes Emeli Sandé, Afua Hirsch, Mo Gilligan and George The Poet. It will offer the chance for people of all ages to network with leaders and employees from different industries to gain mentorship, boost confidence, find vacancies, showcase skills and attend networking and mentoring events that level the playing field of opportunities. MOBOLISE will also then offer businesses the chance to reach underrepresented and undiscovered talent and educate their boards to prevent unconscious bias.
 
Website www.mobo.com
Twitter: @MOBOAwards
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/MOBOofficial/
Instagram: @moboawards
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mobotvofficial 
 
About Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification Plc:
 

Marshall Amplification has a vibrant and dynamic history within the music industry and is celebrated by some of the greatest artists in the world. Catapulted from humble beginnings in Hanwell, London, Marshall is now a global brand achieving manufacturing excellence. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the business and every product they create. With over 55 years of music experience, Marshall continues to push the boundaries of possibility for the musicians of the future.