Gabrielle slams MOBOs for lack of soul

'Dreams' singer Gabrielle has slammed the MOBO Awards for removing the soul category from the ceremony.

The popstar has complained that the ceremony is ignoring a large chunk of artists and that the event has become overly dominated by American acts.

Gabrielle told the BBC: "How can you leave out the soul award? I think you need to shut it down.

"I'm really shocked. It just shows how behind the British music scene is because that wouldn't happen in America."

She added: "Music of black origin is soul and jazz and anything else that is inspired by black music. I think we should all turn off. And anyway, it's all the time dominated by the Americans.

"We're still licking their booties because it pays homage to the fact that they're still kicking our arses, the Americans. They're still more knowledgeable than us."

The annual event, which celebrates all forms of music of black origin, was criticised last year for getting rid of its jazz award and ended up bringing back the prize for this year's show.

Defending the awards ceremony, a MOBO spokesperson commented: "Soul music is derivative of gospel and rhythm & blues. There are both R'n'B and gospel categories in this year's nominations.

"Just because there is not a specific category entitled 'soul' it does not mean soulful artists are not being recognised."

Click here for a list of this year's winners.