MOBO moments for students

The MOBO’s have been here in the North East and our students have had a unique opportunity to be part of them.

The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards were recently held in Newcastle for the first time and students from across the college supported the fringe events as well as working at the prestigious awards ceremony at the Utilita Arena.

The annual ceremony recognises black artists in the UK and the awards celebrate a variety of musical genres, including hip hop, R&B, and soul. Our students were on hand to meet and greet guests and undertake market research at the glamorous celebration.

In the build-up to the MOBO’s a series of fringe events including live performances, workshops, industry summits and community-led initiatives were held across Newcastle and Gateshead and our students got the chance to get involved in these.

In total 55 students clocked up over 350 hours of work experience with our TV and Film, Photography and Digital Journalism students capturing the events, Business and A Level students supporting in event management roles and music students undertaking artist liaison and runner roles.

Jennifer Cheng, who is studying photography said: “I have really enjoyed this incredible opportunity. I definitely feel a lot more confident doing live event photography after working at two of the events.”

Business student Kay Sanusi said: “I really enjoyed helping out behind the stage and seeing how everything comes together to create a multiple large performance. Thanks so much for my work experience for the MOBO’s, it was a very memorable experience that did also give me more insight on my future career prospects.”

Newcastle City Council, one of the event organisers, praised our students.  Lucy Bridge, Project Assistant at the council said “You really have some great students at the college. I can’t speak more highly of them, they were so helpful. Such a pleasure to have and a huge help that they all came along to give their time.”

As part of the fringe events, Caviar Studios collaborated with us to support our digital journalism, photography and TV and Film students. Silvio Martinez, Director at Caviar Studios said “We were delighted to CoLab with the students through delivering masterclasses at the start of each event. Giving back to the next generation of crew is really important to us as we grow and continue to look for emerging talent. Being part of the MOBO Awards was an added bonus and made this opportunity truly memorable for both Caviar Studios and the students.”