Waringstown man gets MOBO nomination

David Lyttle is one of five nominees shortlisted in the Best Jazz Act category.

He is the first Irish artist to be shortlisted in its 20-year history.

The 31-year-old will go up against Polar Bear, Courtney Pine, Julia Biel, and Binker and Moses at the awards ceremony.

Taking on Twitter to announce the news, David said: “Very excited to have been nominated for a MOBO. Thanks MOBO Awards & everyone who’s been part of the hang thus far.”

MOBO stands for Music of Black Origin.

David said: “I have a deep love and respect for black music and I’m deeply honoured to have been nominated for a MOBO Award.”

David is currently promoting his third album Faces with his eclectic seven-piece live band, as well as touring with his exclusively jazz David Lyttle Trio featuring saxophonist Tom Harrison.

He is also the 2015 Musician-In-Residence at the Nerve Centre, Derry.

The annual MOBO Awards has become one of the most televised music shows in the world and showcases the best British and international urban music talent. Previous winners have included Rihanna, John Legend and Sam Smith.

Perhaps best known as a prodigious jazz drummer in his early career, Lyttle has gone on to be described by Irish music magazine Hot Press as a ‘one-man industry’ for his work as a performer, producer and record label owner.

The MOBO Awards ceremony will take place on November 4 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.