16 gigs and events, from grime to jazz, leading up to the MOBOs
The MOBO awards are returning to Leeds this November following 2015s headline-grabbing ceremony, where the biggest names in black music will be honoured on their achievements in the past year - expect nods for the likes of Stormzy, Giggs, and Wiley.
Any major city in the country would love to host the award, but looking at Leeds appetite for black music it's clear why we were the frontrunner. Here are 20 gigs and events ranging from grime to jazz from all over the world, all taking place between now and the ceremony on Wednesday 29 November.
Northern Soul at Shopkeepers
Friday 20 October, Nation of Shopkeepers
Nation of Shopkeepers, 26-27 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AG. Free entry
Norman Jay MBE
Friday 20 October, Smokestack
Smokestack, 159A Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY. Tickets £10
J Cole
Sunday 22 October, Leeds First Direct Arena
Leeds First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY. Tickets
J Hus
Tuesday 24 October, O2 Academy Leeds
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW.
Akon
Wednesday 25 October, O2 Academy Leeds
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW. Tickets
AJ Tracey
Thursday 26 October, Leeds University Stylus
Leeds University Union, Lifton Place, Leeds LS2 9JT. Tickets £16.50
Roots Manuva
Thursday 26 October, O2 Academy Leeds
With Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW. Tickets £20
DJ Luck & MC Neat
Friday 27 October, O2 Academy Leeds
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW. Tickets £7
Akala
Sunday 29/Monday 30 October, Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP. Tickets £19.95
Wiley
Beacons Festival, Saturday 4 November, Canal Mills
With Nadia Rose, 67 & Belly Squad
Canal Mills, Brandon Street, Leeds LS12 2EB. Tickets £25
Shabazz Palaces
Thursday 9 November, Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP. Tickets £12
Tank and the Bangas
Monday 13 November, Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP. Tickets £11
Insane Clown Posse
Monday 13 November, O2 Academy Leeds
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW. Tickets £23
Run The Jewels
Wednesday 15 November, O2 Academy Leeds
O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW. Tickets £29.50
Pharaoh Sanders
Thursday 16 November, Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP. Tickets £25
