I was watching the MOBO Awards yesterday evening, and it inspired me to reflect on the importance of perseverance. It resonated with a LinkedIn post I shared last week about staying focused, staying committed and making 2025 your best year yet, even when the motivation fades.
Going against the grain is never easy, and in those tough moments, that’s when you truly discover what you’re made of. It’s easy to follow the crowd, but real success comes from staying true to your vision even when it feels like no one is watching, no one is supporting and the progress is slower than anticipated.
The journey to success is rarely straightforward. Those who dare to be different, persist through challenges, and stay consistent will eventually see the results of their hard work.
In a similar vein, the music industry is a perfect example of this. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Every artist who graced the MOBO stage has faced setbacks, rejections, and struggles. Yet, they kept creating and now they’re being recognised on one of the biggest platforms celebrating music of Black origin.
Here are five key takeaways from the 2025 MOBO Awards that apply to any career or business journey:
1. Go Where You Are Celebrated
Not every space will commend your talent, ideas or vision but that doesn’t mean what you have to offer isn’t valuable. The key is to find the right audience, the right network and the right opportunities that align with your purpose.
You don’t need to convince the wrong people of your worth; instead, focus on the spaces that recognise and uplift what you bring to the table.
I felt R&B singer Mnelia and director Femi Bello encapsulated this perfectly with their well-deserved win for ‘Video of the Year’. Femi’s speech was a powerful reminder to showcase your work to those who will appreciate it.
To create a video that celebrates Black women in a way that feels authentic and uplifting, it’s inspiring to see such a positive and impactful moment in real-time.
2. Remain True to Yourself
Trends come and go, but authenticity stands the test of time. The artists who leave a lasting impact are the ones who remain true to their craft, values, and message regardless of external pressures. The same principle applies to personal branding and business. It’s easy to chase trends for quick wins, but building something meaningful requires an unshakable commitment to who you are.
Grime artist Scorcher is a prime example of this. Through all the highs and lows, he has remained unapologetically himself, proving that staying true to your identity will always set you apart. Despite contemplating quitting music, his children encouraged him to keep going and he proved them right by winning ‘Best Grime Act.’
3. Build Your Resilience
Rejection is part of the journey. The people winning awards today were once overlooked, doubted, or underestimated. The difference? They refused to let setbacks define them. Instead, they developed a thick skin, learned from failures, and kept pushing forward.
As Ashley Thomas (also known as Bashy) said upon accepting his second award of the night, “If you’re scared to do it, do it anyway”.
For those unfamiliar with Bashy, he worked as a London bus driver and Royal Mail postman to fund his dreams. He built a successful career as an actor and went on to release his debut album Being Poor Is Expensive in 2024 after a 15-year hiatus. Fear is inevitable, but courage is what sets the greats apart.
4. Keep Showing Up and Build Your Community
Consistency matters. Whether in music, PR, business, or personal branding, the more you show up, the more people take notice. It’s not about overnight success; it’s about building something that lasts and eventually, the right opportunities will come your way.
The podcast trio 90s Baby Show is celebrating their 10th year as a podcast and won their first MOBO Award for ‘Best Media Personality’ in the same year. Through the process of building their careers, they not only built a community with their entertainment peers but also a thriving community of supporters through their membership program who endorse and champion them wholeheartedly.
5. Never Give Up
Every artist and act at the MOBOs had moments when they could have quit. The struggle, the setbacks, and the sacrifices. At times, it probably felt like it wasn’t worth it. But they kept going. Success takes time, and the only way to truly fail is to stop trying.
DJ AG was crowned Time Out’s 2024 Londoner of the Year following his viral fame and grassroots community spirit. He has been involved in music for decades and only recently got his big break as an incredible talent. He is a testament to this, proving that perseverance and dedication will always yield results.
Moving Forward: What’s Your Legacy?
The MOBO Awards might not be the stage you aspire to be on, but think about what you’re doing this for. What does the pinnacle of success look like for you? Why are you doing this? Who are you doing this for? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.
Document the journey, embrace the lessons, and celebrate the wins along the way. Build something that not only helps you but also empowers others and fosters a community.
MOBO’s founder Kanya King CBE embodies this principle. Her unwavering commitment to creating a platform that celebrates Black music and talent has left an undeniable legacy.
A powerful night and a powerful reminder: Stay the course, build something meaningful, and create your impact one day at a time.
See you next week!
