An exciting new chapter for MOBO UnSung has been announced today! TikTok and SoundOn are proud to be partnering with the industry-leading nationwide emerging talent competition and talent development programme for the country’s best unsigned emerging artists producing original work.

MOBO and SoundOn have unveiled a game-changing new partnership that will open up entries for the first time to TikTok creators. With the continued backing from partner Marshall and support from PRS Foundation and the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, 2023 will bring through a wider and broader pool of artistic excellence and future superstars.

As the digital partner of MOBO UnSung, TikTok will introduce an exciting new gateway for artists to enter this year’s competition via their app, and once the final ten UnSung Class of 2023 are selected, TikTok’s SoundOn will provide its specialist support to promote the ten finalists.

Aspiring applicants can apply via the MOBO UnSung application form, which is live here. Seven applicants will be selected from this traditional application system. To find out more information on the terms and conditions and entry requirements, please click here.

Also, from April 21st, artists will be able to apply for three Wildcard spots via TikTok. To find out more information on the terms and conditions and entry requirements, please refer here.

The seven applicants from the MOBO UnSung application form and the three TikTok Wildcard entries will make the final MOBO UnSung Top 10 Class of 2023. 

The nationwide search for exceptional unsigned talent will culminate with ten finalists, known as the MOBO UnSung Class of 2023, who will then go on to enter a year-long artist development programme of industry and production workshops, performance and networking opportunities, A&R, mentorship and more facilitated by MOBO and its partners through the unique, industry leading UnSung talent development programme, giving each UnSung finalist the opportunity to make their mark with their music and talent.  

“We are delighted to launch this unique collaboration and partnership with TikTok’s SoundOn to open up access to MOBO Unsung through its incredible platform. Through this partnership, we aim to grow the offering to the final ten artists, with an absolutely unbeatable industry leading talent development programme across a year, with additional services provided by SoundOn. MOBO continues to provide a unique talent platform and push for more representation, both on-stage and behind the scenes across the creative industries, and crucially through MOBO UnSung dedicated to championing emerging talent at a crucial time in their careers. As the MOBO UnSung programme elevates through this new partnership with TikTok’s SoundOn, there is no doubt that the next music superstars will have a vital creative hub and platform to excel both personally and professionally in music. It will be hugely rewarding to bring through the next batch of the UK’s finest homegrown emerging talent with our powerhouse brands Marshall and TikTok and we can’t wait to get started!” said Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of The MOBO Group. 

"SoundOn is hugely excited to be partnering with MOBO UnSung, using the power of TikTok to give the Class of 2023 an even bigger stage to showcase their talent. For many years, the MOBO UnSung program has unearthed some of the best British talent through the program, serving as a valuable platform for emerging artists breaking into the industry. Together, with Marshall, PRS Foundation and Help Musicians, we're excited to give emerging British talent the platform it deserves, helping new and independent artists share their music with a global community. As SoundOn supports so many emerging independent artists to build their careers, the partnership felt like a natural fit and we're really excited to see how the program unfolds", said Nichal Sethi, Head of Artist Services UK at TikTok

“We at The Marshall Group have always stood behind strong artist development. We understand the importance of nurturing emerging talent and providing them with the support they need to thrive in the music industry. That's why we are thrilled to be a part of the MOBO Unsung program. Marshall is committed to providing the best resources for artists to create and showcase their music. Our state-of-the-art recording facilities, coupled with our team of experienced music industry professionals, are ready to mentor and guide the class of 2023. Here's to a remarkable journey ahead!” said Steve Tannett, Music Director at Marshall. 

The Top 10 MOBO UnSung finalists will receive money-can’t-buy opportunities including one-on-one mentorship, group masterclasses and support with the release, promotion, strategy and distribution of their own music via TikTok’s SoundOn.

As TikTok's all-in-one music distribution platform, SoundOn supports the development of artists, enabling them to grow their fanbases, harness their creative voice and share their music with a global audience. The finalists will also become part of SoundOn’s community of artists, with whom they can connect and share their experiences with other breakout artists.

Marshall will continue its on-going support for UnSung artists via access to their world-class recording studio, backing from its Record Label and Live Agency with performance and networking opportunities, as well as use of Marshall’s leading products.

Other exciting activities and opportunities for the 10 finalists will include editorial support and coverage across Mixtape Madness, one of the country’s leading music discovery platforms within British Rap and surrounding sub-genres, accumulating over 1 million subscribers and 820 million views. Also, Abbey Road Studios will host a songwriting/production masterclass at its state of the art recording studios to further enhance the artist’s creative output. There will also be a MOBO UnSung bursary, granted by the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, which will help each finalist fund an aspect of development of their own choosing, as well as receiving live performance opportunities and on-air radio support across BBC Music Introducing nationwide networks, BBC Radio’s platform dedicated to discovering and supporting new music and emerging talent.

In line with MOBO ethos, MOBO UnSung aims to motivate, elevate and celebrate emerging talent by providing priceless opportunities which significantly contribute to their personal and creative development whilst improving their understanding of the music industry and increasing representation - as part of MOBO’s growing portfolio of activities that offer additional platforms and opportunities to exceptional talent across the creative industries. MOBO UnSung Alumni include Tiana Major9, Juls, Tion Wayne, Cleo Sol, Jacob Banks, Mic Lowry, #AltMusic featured artist Jordan Adetunji and MOBO Award winner Nadia Rose.

Entries are open now for MOBO UnSung via mobo.com/unsung, the TikTok Wildcard entry system will open April 21st at 09:00 am, and the deadline for all entries is 23:59 pm on April 28th.

UnSung fans will be able to join the conversation by using #MOBOUnSung and following @moboofficial on TikTok and @MOBOawards across all other social channels. Fans can also follow the behind the scenes action on @soundon. Plus, in another first, the MOBO UnSung Live showcase will be streamed LIVE exclusively on TikTok - more details to follow in the coming weeks.