British R&B trio FLO triumphed at the 30th anniversary MOBO Awards, taking home the Best R&B/Soul Act prize during a star-studded ceremony held at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Thursday night.
The South London-based group — consisting of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer — delivered a high-energy opening performance of their fresh single “Leak It” before accepting the award. In their emotional speech, the trio expressed genuine surprise at the win, noting it was one of the first times they hadn’t prepared remarks in advance. They used the moment to celebrate a broader movement, declaring “UK R&B is back, girl groups are back!”
Formed in 2021, FLO first captured widespread attention with their 2022 breakout track “Cardboard Box,” which amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify and earned them a Brit Awards Rising Star nomination. Their 2024 debut album Access All Areas marked a significant milestone, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album — the first such nod for a British R&B group in two decades. The project showcased their signature blend of sleek 90s-inspired harmonies, sharp songwriting, and modern production.
This MOBO victory represents FLO’s second major UK award following the 2022 Brit recognition and underscores their rapid rise. The group has spent the past year touring extensively across the UK, Europe, and the US, collaborating with artists including Kehlani, GloRilla, and Kaytranada, while delivering memorable live sets such as their halftime performance at the 2026 NBA London Game and a vibrant Tiny Desk Concert.
The win arrives amid a noticeable resurgence in British R&B and a strong year for emerging UK talent overall. Industry reports highlight sustained growth in the UK recorded music market, which reached record highs in 2025 with over 210 billion audio streams. FLO’s success joins that of other homegrown acts making waves globally, signaling renewed momentum for soulful, harmony-driven music.
In their acceptance remarks, the members thanked fans, family, and their label UROC for the support that has fueled their journey from South London bedrooms to international stages. The award further cements FLO as leading voices in the evolving landscape of contemporary R&B, where nostalgia meets fresh confidence and sisterhood.
