While the performances and awards often dominate headlines, the stage has also served as a showcase for another form of expression: jewellery – check it out below
Since its launch in 1996, the MOBO Awards has celebrated the most influential voices in music of Black origin in the UK and beyond.
From oversized early-2000s pendants to symbolic chains and luxury watches, artists have long used jewellery at the MOBOs to communicate identity, heritage and status.
At the 2002 MOBO Awards, Ja Rule delivered one of the evening’s most memorable moments. The New York rapper won Best Hip Hop Act and performed his hit Livin’ It Up from the triple-platinum album Pain Is Love (2001).
Ja Rule”performs on stage at the 2002 MOBO awards – CREDIT: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Completing the performance was a classic piece of early-2000s rap jewellery. Around his neck hung a long diamond chain completed with a guitar pendant that rested just above his waist.
Two decades later the chain still held cultural weight. In 2022, Ja Rule revisited the moment on Instagram, captioning a photo with the words: “Might have to get my guitar chain back.”
By the end of the 2000s the MOBO stage was increasingly reflecting the rise of UK rap and grime. One of the defining performances came during the 2010 MOBO Awards when Giggs, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Devlin joined forces to perform their star-studded anthem Game Over.
The performance was iconic not only for the song itself but for what it represented: a moment that captured the progression of UK rap. It also featured some memorable jewellery pieces.
Giggs wore his now legendary SN1 chain, representing his South London collective and label. The name was an acronym for “Spare No One” and embodied the defiant spirit of an artist who had once faced attempts from the industry to blacklist and shut him down.
Tinchy Stryder appeared alongside him wearing a pendant closely tied to his music catalogue. His S.I.T.H. chain referenced his debut album Star in the Hood, turning the title of his breakthrough project into a wearable emblem.
Tinchy Stryder arrives at the MOBO Awards 2010 – CREDIT: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
The phrase soon transcended music, evolving into a fashion line and a cultural movement. Stryder’s influence was so significant that years later artists such as Skepta, Young Adz and Chip paid homage with their song Star in the Hood.
Jewellery at the MOBOs has also been used to celebrate heritage. Artists such as Pa Salieu have attended the event wearing Afrocentric jewellery that reflects African identity and culture.
Ms Dynamite at the 2005 MOBO Awards – CREDIT: Brian Rasic/Getty Images
However, few artists embodied heritage through jewellery quite like Ms. Dynamite. Emerging first through UK garage, Ms. Dynamite quickly demonstrated her versatility, moving across R&B, dancehall, ragga and two step.
After receiving multiple nominations in 2003 and 2004, she appeared at the 2005 MOBO Awards wearing a chain featuring the Jamaican flag. The piece paid tribute to her Caribbean roots and highlighted the cultural links between British music and the Caribbean diaspora.
Those Caribbean connections were honoured on a much larger scale at the 2025 MOBO
Awards when dancehall icon Vybz Kartel received the Impact Award. His appearance was historic.
After years away from international stages, the Jamaican star delivered an electrifying performance that included the dancehall classic Ramping Shop alongside fellow Jamaican artist Spice.
Kartel’s jewellery mirrored his philosophy on life. He has often said that he lost so much time that he now wears two watches in an attempt to make it back. On one wrist he wore an iced out Rolex Datejust, gifted to him by Popcaan. On the other sat a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a diamond set bezel and dial which was gifted to him by DJ Khaled.
Like this? Check out Oscars 2026: All the jewellery and watches from the red carpet and see cover star Slick Rick reflect on his life and career: “As you grow, you become better”.
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