I say no. Like FUBU, it smacks of racism when out of context, but in fact it is not racist in reality. It started off as an exercise in black pride (and unfortunately group pride necessitates assumptions of superiority over other groups) but what it has become is another thing. It is self-described as awards for “all types of music from urban culture”. This music culture embraces every race and ethnicity. It is genuinely open and non-discriminatory.
I think it is good that black music is celebrated. There is no doubt about the genius, beauty and originality of much of the music pioneered by black communities. I think it is even better that urban music is being celebrated. It has grown into a racially neutral cultural force which utterly dominates pop and is all embracing (see Justin Timberlake and Eminem be winners).
Get used to it folks. Minorities get some license. A Music of White Origin awards is not needed the category is too broad (arguably encompassing the sub-class MOBO because the very instruments used by contemporary musicians are mostly of “white origin”, so there is no need to force that point).
the MOBOs are on tonight.
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