Nia Archives slams MOBO Awards for failing to highlight electronic music

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  • The award show's lack of electronic and dance music representation "has been massively regressive for the Black community," the artist said.
  • Nia Archives slams MOBO Awards for failing to highlight electronic music image
  • Nia Archives has criticised the MOBO Awards in an open letter. The UK awards ceremony focuses on music of Black origin, including grime, soul, reggae, jazz and gospel, but doesn't currently have a category for electronic and dance music. This "lack of support has been massively regressive for the Black community and for representation of these genres and the artists operating within them," the Manchester producer wrote in a hand-written letter posted on social media. She acknowledged the organisation once championed Black dance artists with categories such as Best Dance Act, Best Jungle Act (won by Goldie in 1996) and Best Garage Act but noted that "by the early 2000s, these categories ceased to exist." "How can we expect young Black people to see themselves in the music if our own organizations and award ceremonies won't even celebrate the diverse range of talent that boldly exists in this country?" she continued. The producer isn't the first to address the issue. In a 2020 article for Mixmag, Jaguar & Heléna Star explored why the award show hasn't reinstated dance and electronic music categories. Read Nia Archives' full letter below.
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