- MOBO nominees and VIPs chauffeured to Wembley in a fleet of Bentleys
- BeUnited representatives from Bentley’s workforce promote BAME inclusion
- Bentley targeting more diversity in management positions to take company into the future
- Winged-B has been embedded in black music and hip-hop culture for generations
(Crewe, 01 December 2022) Bentley Motors is proud to have been the official car partner for last night’s MOBO Awards, held at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. In the audience were members of Bentley’s BeUnited network, which brings Bentley colleagues, communities and minorities together to promote diversity and inclusion.
Bentley is absolutely committed to embedding diversity and inclusion across the organisation, and this is a reflection of its progressive and multifaceted patronage. The 102-year-old company has set a target of 30% diverse candidates in management positions by 2025 to help Bentley achieve success with its next generation of automobiles and a climate-positive future. Recognising the fundamental importance of diverse experiences and perspectives to drive creativity and innovations, Bentley aims to become the world’s most diverse luxury car manufacturer. Bentley currently employs colleagues from 52 different nations, and has established diversity and inclusion networks with an initial focus on LGBTQ+ topics, women in automotive and, in the case of BeUnited, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) themes.
Bentley Mulliner and Motorsport Technical Manager Sha Janally is the founder and co-chair of BeUnited, which counts 300 Bentley employees among its members. “The mission of BeUnited is to bring BAME communities together with our allies to support and raise awareness and provide equal opportunity at Bentley Motors, so that the company is a beacon of light in attracting the best talent,” explains Sha. “It’s an honour for the network to represent Bentley at the MOBO Awards, as we share the same vision and a passion for music, arts and culture. Initiatives and events such as this create positive and meaningful changes at all levels. Our beautiful cars are a reflection of what comes from diverse and inclusive talent, just as the MOBOs recognise and celebrate black culture, support the growth of hidden talent, and inspire young people to strive for greatness.”
For decades, transcending generations, Bentley’s winged-B has been closely associated not only with innovation and aspirant luxury, but specifically with black and urban music on both sides of the Atlantic; be it the Azure drop-top on the cover of Jay-Z’s 1998 masterpiece Vol.2… Hard Knock Life through to 2 Chainz’ track Bentley Truck.
Unprecedented when it comes to Bentley’s fleet demand for an awards show, 18 stunning Crewe-built automobiles were summoned for this glittering occasion that celebrates rap, hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, gospel, jazz, reggae, garage and other genres from the UK and beyond. These chauffeur-driven cars included the Flying Spur super saloon, in hybrid, Mulliner and 207mph W12 specifications; the Bentayga SUV and its new extended wheelbase EWB variant with airline-style seats and maximum legroom and luxury; and the OG V8 the mighty Mulsanne – discontinued, but now a bold member of Bentley’s heritage fleet. All three of these models have found their way into the lyrics of rap acts from Gucci Mane to Travis Scott to Wiz Khalifa to Cardi B.
Among this year’s Music Of Black Origin award nominees were acclaimed London rapper and producer Knucks, who led this year’s list with five nominations; last year’s Best Female Little Simz, who scooped four nominations in ‘22; drill MC Central Cee was up for four awards too; Kojey Radical, whose Reason to Smile was up for Album of the Year; and Dave’s track Starlight for Song of the Year.
Other artists who performed on Wednesday night included R&B girl group FLO, Nigerian singer Fireboy DML, Streatham songstress Cat Burns, and frequent Bentley-name checker Tion Wayne.