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What You (May Have) Missed In Music News This Week: Jack Garratt, Obama, Skepta And More

Jack Garratt gets a letter from President Obama, the MOBO noms are in AND MORE...

Last week, Skepta won the Mercury Prize with Konnichiwa, an album he recorded, produced and released himself earlier this year. But you already knew this, didn’t you?

If I’m totally honest, I can’t be f**ked to write more than that, because following last week, nothing new about Skepta winning the Mercury Prize can be written. I have nothing new to add. It’s just that, when, in this present moment, the world might seem completely f**ked - just this week Donald Trump’s eldest son genuinely compared Syrian refugees to Skittles – music continues to be one of the most important parts of human life. Does that sound corny to you? I hope it doesn’t. There’s a lot of intelligent, important, exciting stuff being made at the important. (Go watch Dirty Projector’s new music video for more proof.) Music provides the perfect escape from nonsense, and Skepta’s success gives us all something to cheer about.

Anyway, Skepta’s now been nominated for three MOBO awards. For more on that, allow your eyes to drift down the page.

Also, Jack Garratt received a letter from President Obama, so there’s plenty for Jack Garratt to cheer about as well. Which is good for Jack Garratt.

Jack Garratt Sent His Album To President Obama – And Actually Got A Response

President Obama is the leader of the free world. He’s got quite ‘a lot’ on, you could say. But, as it turns out, he’s still able to squeeze in enough time to personally mail pop stars.

What’s the story? We’ll let Jack Garratt explain it himself: "A few months ago @POTUS was in London and I sent him a copy of Phase with a note that thanked him for bringing the world closer together," Garratt tweeted. "That I was proud to be part of a generation that saw first hand the efforts that went into trying to eradicate hate and promote equality."

I think it’s safe to say that we’re all surprised Obama got back in touch. Who knew it was that easy?

In his letter, Obama wrote: "Thank you for your kind gift. I want you to know I am moved by your generosity. Though we all come from different traditions and communities, I believe nations and individuals are stronger when they work together. By connecting across borders and cultures and holding firm to the ideals that unite us, we can move toward a future of greater peace and prosperity for all."

Kanye Joins Instagram

He teased us back in March “no one can ask me or try to tell me what to Instagram... It's my art...” but now Kanye is finally on Instagram. His first post? Well, it looked like a still from the 1990 film Total Recall, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Unexpected, yes. But what were you expecting him to post? It’s Kanye West.

The 2016 MOBO Awards Nominations Are IN

The 2016 MOBO Awards Nominations are here. Skepta, Kano and Laura Mvula lead the way, with the latter two running ahead with a massive FOUR nominations each.

Both Skepta and Kano are nominated for Best Male Act, with Laura Mvula joining Little Simz and Lady Leshurr in the Best Female Act category.

For the full list, head over to MTV.co.uk/mobo-awards

Apple Music Festival Has Been Happening - And It's Been Special

Please look at these pictures.

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