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DYNAMIC DUO: Rappers Krept and Konan

UK RAPPERS Krept and Konan were named Best Hip Hop Act to the delight of the crowds at last night’s MOBO awards.

The south London duo, who thrilled the audience with a performance of Don’t Waste My Time, have enjoyed an incredible year of success following the independent release of their mixtape Young Kingz in 2013.

Its popularity led to the pair signing their first major record deal with Virgin EMI last October as well as an award for Best International Act at this year’s BET Awards.

The twosome were tipped to take home a shelf of awards having received a record four MOBO nominations alongside fellow Londoner Sam Smith.

However, Casyo “Krept” Johnson, 24, from Gipsy Hill, and Karl “Konan” Wilson, 25, from Thornton Heath – who received some of the biggest cheers on the night – only walked away with one award, seeing off competition from Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Fekky and G FrSH in the hip-hop category.

[PICTURES] See our gallery of the famous faces at the MOBOs

Collecting their MOBO, presented by two Lil Mix stars Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, a dapper and smiling Konan said: “We’re the building! Last year, we got nominated for Best Newcomer [and] I was lost for words. I was in Glasgow. But this year we’re in London, baby.”

He went on to thank fans for their support, God and his “beautiful mum”, who joined him on stage alongside more than ten of his close friends who he affectionately referred to as “my brothers”.

Krept added: “Make some noise for Konan’s mum, people! I just wanna say that Konan’s mum, her strength has inspired me as a person because she’s lost her husband and Konan has got him living through music. Rest in peace, Carlton.”

Konan chipped in: “Yeah, this one’s for you.”

Heroic Ned, was murdered in 2011 as he chased two intruders out of his family home, but was tragically shot dead.

His killer Christopher Thomas was jailed for 35 years in August 2013.

Krept cheekily added, “Mama, I love you”, referencing the expression from popular viral YouTube sensation featuring US convict Donna Godeau.

BIG WINS

Sam Smith, the voice behind hits including Stay With Me, was the night’s big winner in all his four categories: Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Male, Best Song (Stay With Me) and Best Album (In the Lonely Hour).

He thanked the MOBOs for supporting his career. “Thank you so much,” he said. “The MOBOs was my first ever award show that I ever went to. It’s amazing to be here a year later and winning one of my own.”

For the first time, the MOBOS – which celebrates its 20th birthday next year – gave an award for Best Grime Act in association with BBC Radio 1Xtra.

The winner was Stormzy, also from Thornton Heath, south London, who emerged triumphant in a category of ten talented nominees that included Big Narstie, Ghetts, JME, Lethal Bizzle, Meridian Dan, Novelist, Skepta, Sox and Wiley.

GRIME

In one of the most memorable moments of the night, Tottenham rapper Skepta picked up the crown for Best Video, for That’s Not Me ft JME, presented by TV presenter/singer Jamelia and Alexandra Burke, and told the crowd the video only cost £80 to shoot.

Joined on the stage by close friends, including Jammer wearing a two-piece that looked like a straitjacket,

“I didn’t even get a ticket to come here, I had to fight my way in,” Skepta told the crowds. “I said to myself if there is one award I want to win, it’s this one because coming from the streets you feel like my man’s video cost 100,000 [pounds]. My man’s video’s was a million [pounds]…I have to keep up with that. That’s Not Me video cost me 80 English pounds! Eighty English pounds!”

Other performances of the night came from MNEK’s, Jessie J, Nicole Scherzinger, Meridian Dan, Candi Staton and Lil Simz, with Jeremih, who closed the show with some help from Tinie Tempah and Krept and Konan.

See the full list of winners:

MOBO Best African Act: Fuse ODG

MOBO Best Reggae Act: Stylo G

MOBO Best HipHop Act: Krept and Konan

MOBO Best RnB/Soul Act: Sam Smith

MOBO Best Gospel Act: Living Faith Connection Choir

MOBO Best Jazz Act: Zara McFarlane

MOBO Best Grime Act: Stormzy (In association with BBC Radio 1Xtra)

MOBO Best Newcomer: Ella Eyre (In association with HTC)

MOBO Best Male: Sam Smith

MOBO Best Female: Jessie J

MOBO Best International Act: Beyoncé

MOBO Best Video: Skepta ft J.M.E - That’s Not Me

MOBO Best Song: Sam Smith - Stay With Me

MOBO Best Album: Sam Smith

MOBO Inspiration Award: Idris Elba