Pre-MOBOs Awards party at Cirque Club in London

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  Africa Unite Music Group host a pre-MOBOs party to celebrate the new 'Best African Act' category. Held at Cirque Club, London, the fun lasted well into the early hours.

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  Blemish Blackstorm & Mr Midas: "It's taken 10 long years to get this 'Best African category' in the MOBOs - but at last t it's there so we're really happy. I'm Ghanaian and I've performed there so I've always known about the talent that's bubbling up in Ghana, Nigeria, down to South Africa ".

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  Blemish Blackstorm & Mr Midas: "DJs in clubs and on the radio shouldn't be scared to play African tunes - and bring them to the forefront, take that risk. The support is there amongst fans after all."

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  Ash: "I'm Nigerian but I've lived in a lot of places all my life. The whole concept of African artists coming over here is a very good thing. We used to have problems with visas - but now we're allowed over here - the music industry can grow and we can provide healthy competition. "

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  Ash: " Hip hop is a universal language, a culture. It started in Africa - from drumming - so I'm glad we're in the bigger picture now. Our latest release is called 'Keep Doing it Girl' (Immaculate Entertainment)." 

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  JJC & 419 Squad: "The 'Best African Act' category is a great opportunity for African music to come to the mainstream, get recognised. We need to go to the next level. And the major record companies should make this investment - especially as MTV is in Africa now". 

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  JJC & 419 Squad live on stage.

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  JJC & 419 Squad: "We're Afropeans - we rap in English and Yoruba. For example, 'Kilonsele' means 'Whasss up!!' The only difference between us and US hip hop artists is language..."

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  The crowd gets excited waiting for Styl-Plus to come on stage.

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  Styl-Plus on stage.

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  Zeal from Styl-Plus, charming the ladies.

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  Shifi from Styl-Plus: "The new MOBO category is a big step forward for African artists who'll get true recognition all over the world."

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  Zeal & Shifi from Styl-Plus: "We love our fans - they made us who we are - and now that we're getting to the next step, we know they've taken us there."

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  Tunde from Styl-Plus.

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  Styl-Plus hanging out with JJC & 419 Squad after their performance.

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  2Face Idibia onstage.

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  2Face answering questions after his performance.

Photos: © Bethan Williams and Ilka Schlockermann