The MOBOs have been thrown into chaos because presenter Shaggy doesn’t have a work visa.
Popular on LondonNet
The Mr. Lover Lover singer was due to host the awards ceremony with British singer Jamelia tonight (19.09.07), but organisers reportedly forgot to apply for the Jamaican star’s work permit, putting his appearance in doubt.
A source told the Daily Mirror: “The MOBOs had applied for work permits for all the acts performing on the night but they had not applied for one for Shaggy. I think it might be an oversight.
“Organisers have been scrambling around trying to sort out the glitch. It’s the last thing they need. If Shaggy hasn’t got a valid work visa then it’s up to the government to deal with it. It could get to the stage where the Home Office says he is not allowed to present at all.”
The Home Office refused to confirm if Shaggy – real name Orville Richard Burrell – has been given a work visa, but insist it was the singer’s responsibility to organise a permit.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We can’t comment on individual cases but the onus is always on the applicant that they put their applications in on time.”
Last month, Shaggy revealed his excitement at presenting the star-studded awards bash, which celebrates music of black origin, at the O2 arena.
He said: “I think the awards will be hot. It’s wonderful to celebrate the growth of black music and I’m proud to be involved.”
50 Cent’s last-minute MOBOs cancellation has left organisers struggling to replace him with another big name.
If a replacement isn’t found, Craig David’s duet with Kano is expected to take centre stage at the ceremony.
