New to the Scene, But Not a Stranger

Image Credits : Nicole Sam.

Every year, the MOBO Awards roll around, reminding us that Black British music is not just thriving. it’s leading. But this year’s Best Newcomer category? A little too familiar. Because let’s be real: at what point does a so-called ‘new’ artist stop being new?

Odeal walked away with the award, but if you’ve been tuned in, you know he’s been that guy for a minute. His signature blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and alté has been marinating in the culture long before the industry decided to brand him a fresh face. Lets not forget Composure, "You’re Stuck", his recent link-up with Summer Walker, is just another reminder that his artistry is not some overnight success it’s years in the making.

The MOBO Awards: The Industry Is Always Late to the Party

This isn’t just an Odeal thing. The industry has a habit of handing out flowers way after the fact, like it just woke up and realised what the audiences have known for years. Remember when Central Cee side-eyed his own ‘newcomer’ status?

"I'm not really a new Commodore tho"

Same energy. The real question is: are fans ahead of the game, or is the award industry just chronically late?

Then there’s the whole voting process. If these awards are meant to reflect us, why does the whole thing feel like it’s happening behind a curtain? Where’s the transparency? The community push? The discourse? Because from where we’re sitting, Odeal’s win isn’t an introduction it’s a long-overdue acknowledgment.

It’s giving delayed recognition.

It’s giving ‘we just noticed what you’ve been screaming about for years.’

So maybe it’s time to rewrite the playbook. If breaking through is about when the people start listening, then Odeal and so many others have been here. The industry? Still trying to catch up.