The Toxteth teen who lured the MOBOs to Liverpool

by Adam Faulkner. Published Mon 21 Jun 2010 15:02
Ben Osu with Leona Lewis and MOBO founder Kanya King
Ben Osu with Leona Lewis and MOBO founder Kanya King

A 17-year-old Toxteth student, who emailed the MOBO founder trying to convince organisers to hold the event in Liverpool, has played a "major part" in luring the awards to the city.

Ben Osu's long running campaign started last year as he outlined why the city would be the best place for the illustrious event.

Ben said: "When the awards went to Glasgow last year, which was the first year that they had been outside of London, we thought Liverpool would be a fantastic venue for the MOBOs."

With the help of friend Denise Janiece, a 19-year-old singer, the pair decided to start a Facebook group to help lure the awards to Liverpool.

The teenager then turned his attention to tracking down Kanya King, who founded the Music of Black Origin awards.

After eventually finding her out, he emailed Ms King outlining all the reasons why the MOBOs should come to the city.

He cited the Capital of Culture year, the MTV awards, its musical heritage and more importantly the city's role in the slave trade.

Ben got in touch with the founder in early November last year and received a response by the end of the month.

Ms King thanked the Toxteth youngster for his email and declared that Liverpool would definitely be in the running to host the awards in 2010.

And the teenager recently met double MOBO winner Leona Lewis when she came to Liverpool to announce it would be the location for the star-studded ceremony and was awed by the whole experience.

Ben said: "I couldn't believe it when I met Leona.

"It was absolutely amazing. I don't think I have ever been that starstruck in my life."

The teenager, who idolises Simon Cowell, said that he has been inundated with messages from people for his instrumental role in bringing the awards to the city.

He said: "Lots of people are getting in touch with me saying thank you and how much of an impact I have had on influencing MOBO's decision.

"Staff at the Echo Arena have said to me that I was being spoken about behind the scenes.

"They have known for a while that the event was going to be here but didn't tell me until now in case I told anyone."

And now the young business brain wants to start up his own company in event management and PR.

Ben added: "The company will be a social enterprise called the Culture Council.

"It is my dream to work on events like the MOBOs.

"I know I have got a long way to go but I am really looking forward to the challenge."

A student at Liverpool Community College, Ben plans to go to Liverpool John Moores University in September to study event management.

The event, which has showcased some of the biggest names in black music including Tina Turner, Destiny’s Child and Amy Winehouse, will be held at Liverpool's Echo Arena in October.

The MOBOs will be coming to Liverpool's Echo Arena on October 20.

For more information on the awards visit www.mobo.com






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