WILEY HONOURED WITH INAUGURAL MOBO ‘PAVING THE WAY’ AWARD

03 November 2015 - Press release

Tower Hamlets-born rapper Wiley has today been presented with the MOBO ‘Paving The Way’ award, an initiative introduced this year in partnership with ITV2 as part of the MOBO ‘Rise With Us’ Season which kicked off in October.

MOBO ‘Rise With Us’ Season is a series of ground-breaking cultural and educational events across the creative industries of film, theatre, fashion and art. From a ‘Late at Tate’ event, to the homegrown critically acclaimed cast of ‘The Etienne Sisters’ at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, MOBO has curated a programme of the highest quality. 

‘Paving The Way’ forms a key part of the MOBO Season, with ITV2 and MOBO collaborating to create this brand new MOBO Award, celebrating 20 years of providing a mainstream platform for a generation of emerging talent. 

Wiley’s achievement was today marked through ‘Paving The Way’ with a commemorative stone installed at his former school, Bow School, to recognise his accomplishments within the world of music, and to pave the way for future talent in this area.   The paving stone features lyrics from Wiley’s song ‘Bow, E3’ – “I’m so E3, The Whole of E3 Got So Much Talent I Hope You See”.

The artist, often called the Godfather of Grime, is an English grime MC, songwriter and record producer who has pioneered the world of underground music through his numerous hits and collaborations. The 36-year old shot to fame from the material released with his grime crew Roll Deep, which included world-famous icons Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder. Whilst continuing to make grime music, Wiley has also managed to release UK Singles top 10 hits including “Wearing My Rolex”, “Never Be Your Women” and his UK number-one “Heatwave”.

Kanya King, MBE CEO & founder of the MOBO Organisation said: “We are delighted to introduce the new ‘Paving The Way’ award, which celebrates the music pioneer’s achievements and influences. Over the past 20 years, the MOBO Awards have been a celebration of emerging and established musical talent – who will now pave the way for the next generations. We are extremely proud to present Wiley with this award.”

Wiley said: “I am honoured to be recognised in this way. MOBO have supported my music career from the very beginning and it’s humbling to have this paving stone laid at one of the places which shaped me – Bow School. It's extra special as and my father also attended this school as a young lad. I hope it inspires all young people and encourage them to know that if I can do it, so can they!”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “Wiley is an extraordinary local boy who has, through his career, helped to put Bow on the map as a hub for diverse musical talent. It’s important for local pupils to see and learn from local heroes they can identify with, and Wiley has proved himself to be a great role model they can look up to. I’m glad that we can take the time to recognise our local heroes today. They are a shining example of what an upbringing in one of the most culturally diverse and interesting parts of London can do for you."