Soul sensation Esco Williams follows up GIT Award nomination with a MOBO Award.
Toxteth soul sensation Esco Williams has won a MOBO Award.
The 25-year-old rising popstar, who will release his debut record later this year, scooped the MOBO UnSung prize which recognises the best new UK artists.
Williams, who cites Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as his influences, will now perform at the MOBOs (Music of Black Origin) Nominations party ahead of the Award show later this year.
The MOBO Award comes after a hugely promising year for Esco, after securing an album deal while also being nominated for the GIT Award – Merseyside’s equivalent of the Mercury Prize.
Speaking to the ECHO while shooting artwork for his forthcoming promotional campaign, Esco said: ‘I am over the moon right now. It still hasn’t quite sunk in. I mean, this is the MOBOs – I’m on a national stage and buzzing.‘
Williams was selected for his MOBO ahead of a number of young artists playing on regional tours earlier this year before a national panel awarded him the UnSung Liverpool winner.
Fresh from playing at last weekend’s Anthony Walker festival at Liverpool University, Esco added: ‘I kicked off the year in MTV’s top 20 new artists, before picking up a GIT Award nomination, then raising the money for my album and now the MOBO – all in the first seven months of the year – things are looking good.‘
With a lyrical verve, incredible vocal range and dynamic live presence it’s little wonder the former Liverpool Sense of Sound choir member is being fast-tracked for the top.
After superlative performances with his band The Kontrollers at the O2 Academy, Kazimier and Speke Hall festival, fans are eagerly awaiting debut single The New Challenger.
And he’s gained a big supporter in MOBO founder Kanya King, who said: ‘We have a key role in uncovering upcoming urban talent with our annual MOBO UnSung talent search, and we’re thrilled that Liverpool’s Esco Williams won this year’s competition.
‘His performance on our MOBO Tour was highly acclaimed. Look out for him in the years to come.‘
Esco added: ‘The competition was vast; thousand of applicants from all over the UK were whittled down and they decided upon me – the scouser did it!
‘Next up, the plan is to spread the sound on a national level and rock crowds from Anfield to Slovakia. Everything’s going off now.‘
Esco Williams GIT Award nominations profile.
Esco Williams’ Pledge Party album launch review.
