“I represent Jamaica. I’m from a small Island where it is very hard and I really appreciate this award. To everybody that’s working hard believe in yourself, believe in your dreams.” These were words of inspiration from International Dancehall star Skillibeng who walked away with his first Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award for the Best Caribbean Musical Act on Wednesday night.
Skilli was nominated alongside- previous winners- fellow dancehall stars; Shenseea, Popcaan, Sean Paul as well as Koffee and Spice.
The category, previously Best Reggae Act, was converted to its new title-Best Caribbean Act this year to commemorate the British-based awards’ 25th Anniversary.
Dancehall’s Alpha Shenseea who was the first female to take home the award last year was also the final winner of the category in its previous form.
The win for Skillibeng continues a remarkable 2022, which saw the dancehall hitmaker expand his notoriety on a global level, including being featured on several international collaborations.
Collabs with the likes of with Afrobeat giant Wiz Kid, Muara Masa, rap legend Bust Rhymes, as well as super producer Dj Khaled, to name a few.
The year also saw him go make his sojourn on his first World Tour with stops in the Caribbean, North America, and the UK where he has grown a massive following which was evidenced in the reception received at his Wireless Fest debut in Birmingham.
Fellow notable winners on the night saw the African Giant Bura Boy claim two awards-the Best African Music Act and Best International Act.
Burna of course will be performing in Kingston on December 18, at the National Stadium as last stop on his Caribbean Stadium tour.
