Wiley has been honoured with the inaugural Paving The Way award as a part of this year’s MOBO Awards.
The Tower Hamlets-born grime rapper marked the honour by attending a special ceremony at his old school in Bow, east London where he was presented with a plaque.
Wiley said of winning: "I am honoured to be recognised in this way. MOBO have supported my music career from the very beginning and it’s humbling to have this paving stone laid at one of the places which shaped me – Bow School. It’s extra special as and my father also attended this school as a young lad. I hope it inspires all young people and encourage them to know that if I can do it, so can they!"
The commemorative stone, which contains lyrics from Wiley’s song ‘Bow E3’, was installed to recognise his accomplishments within the world of music and to pave the way for future talent in the area.
The lyrics engraved read: "I’m so E3, The Whole of E3 Got So Much Talent I Hope You See".
The 36-year old star rose to fame with his work with grime crew Roll Deep, which also included world famous icons Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder.
And the founder of the MOBO Awards said she is "delighted" to introduce the new prize, which recognises rising stars.
Explaining it Kanya King, MBE CEO & founder of the MOBO Organisation said: "We are delighted to introduce the new ‘Paving The Way’ award, which celebrates the music pioneer’s achievements and influences. Over the past 20 years, the MOBO Awards have been a celebration of emerging and established musical talent – who will now pave the way for the next generations. We are extremely proud to present Wiley with this award."
The 2015 MOBO Awards are set to take place on Wednesday November 4 at Leeds’ First Direct Arena and will be broadcast live on ITV2 and later repeated in full on ITV.
Wiley honoured with new MOBO award Paving The Way
