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HOTTEST LINE-UP OF ARTISTS SHAPING THE CULTURE SET TO PERFORM including SPICE, KREPT & KONAN, ODEAL, DARKOO, NOVA TWINS, BASHY and many more!
18 FEBRUARY 2025
LIVE FROM UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE
FEW TICKETS REMAINING AT
LIVE-STREAM THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE FROM 8.00PM GMT HERE
MOBO AWARDS 2025: ACCESS ALL AREAS airs on
BBC ONE on 21 FEBRUARY, 11.25PM
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Monday 17 February, 9.00AM GMT: Tomorrow night’s 2025 MOBO Awards is delivering yet another unmissable cultural moment as two extraordinary figures are honoured for their contributions to music and sport.
Further to a sizzling performers line-up with the hottest names shaking the culture across R&B, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Alternative, and beyond; the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture upholds its proud tradition of ‘giving flowers’ to trailblazers that continue to inspire a generation.
In a historic MOBO moment, Vybz Kartel, one of the most influential and electrifying forces in dancehall, will receive the MOBO Impact Award. For the first time in over a decade, Kartel will set foot on UK soil, making this an event the world will be watching. His presence at the 2025 MOBO Awards marks a defining chapter in a career that has shaped modern music.
British sports icon Dame Denise Lewis DBE is receiving MOBO’s Paving The Way Award. She joins a rich history of trailblazers across different spheres from music, sports, media and entertainment who have been recognised for breaking barriers in their field. Past honourees include Idris Elba OBE, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams OBE, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE and Jamal Edwards MBE.
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “The MOBO Awards have always been about recognising and celebrating cultural pioneers who have reshaped the landscape of music and beyond. Denise Lewis is a true inspiration and it’s an absolute pleasure to honour such a legendary figure. Few people have contributed more to their field in this country. Vybz Kartel’s impact on music is immeasurable. His influence extends beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant. Honouring these two pioneers on the MOBO stage in Newcastle will be a historic and unforgettable moment you don’t want to miss.”
For over two decades, Vybz Kartel has revolutionised dancehall, shaping the sound of a generation with anthems like ‘Clarks’, ‘Romping Shop’, and ‘Fever’. Born and raised in Waterford, Jamaica, Kartel burst onto the scene in 2003 with his debut album Up 2 Di Time. Since then, his ground breaking artistry has transcended borders, earning him collaborations with Rihanna, Missy Elliott, and Major Lazer, while his most recent project Party With Me has secured a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. This month, he secured his 10th appearance on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with the release of a 10-year anniversary special of his album Viking. Kartel’s cultural dominance remains undeniable, with his music continuing to inspire a new wave of artists. This is not to forget his recent sold out Freedom Street concert at Jamaica’s National stadium.
Dame Denise Lewis DBE is one of the most decorated British athletes of all time. The Wolverhampton-raised star first competed at the heptathlon in 1989 and within five years was named the Commonwealth Champion after winning gold in Canada. Her first Olympics was in Atlanta in 1996, when she picked up a bronze medal. She was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and has twice been runner-up in BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Lewis was honoured as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2000 New Year Honours and was honoured with a Damehood at the end of 2023.A champion across the board, Dame Denise Lewis has redefined excellence in athletics and culture, inspiring generations with her achievements. She has not only broken records but also barriers, becoming a leading voice in sports broadcasting. As President of UK Athletics, Lewis continues to shape the future of British Sport. With her upcoming self-empowerment book Adaptability is set for release on 13 March 2025, her impact extends far beyond the track.
This year’s MOBO Awards, hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8.00PM GMT tomorrow night.
The night will feature unmissable performances by Spice, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Darkoo, Nova Twins, Bashy, DJ AG (with Pozer and LeoStayTrill), plus a special celebration of UK R&B by DJ Ace, Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shae Universe and Shola Ama.
Limited tickets are still available for the Awards in Newcastle, visit mobo.com/tickets.
An exclusive BBC One broadcast special, MOBO Awards 2025: Access All Areas, hosted by DJ Target, airs on 21 February at 11.25pm.
This year’s nominations spotlight the incredible breadth of talent across music, TV, and film. The British R&B scene takes center stage, with triple nominees Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol leading the charge in categories like Album of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS. Central Cee, Ghetts, Sampha and Odeal join them with three nominations each, reflecting the unparalleled creativity driving the UK’s music scene.
Beyond music, the MOBO Awards continue to honour excellence in film and TV, with Netflix’s hit series Supacell and stars from BBC’s EastEnders earning nominations in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category. These nods highlight the richness of diverse storytelling and the exceptional talent shaping today’s entertainment industry.
Recently, MOBO announced its MOBO UnSung Class of 2025, a handpicked selection of 10 of the UK’s most exciting new artists, set to receive career-changing opportunities as part of one of the country’s leading talent development programmes. This year’s artists are Caleb Kunle, Morgan Munroe, Keedz, Flintz, Mar!k, Tofunmi Adorna, Siobhan Élouise, VALNTNA, Brokenpen and Gia Gray.
Ahead of tomorrow night’s star-studded show, the MOBO Fringe Festival program has been showcasing a spectacular range of events in a five-day festival across Newcastle, celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing the city’s creative spirit. The program ranges from industry summits, live performances to community workshops. To find out more, please visit mobo.com/fringe.
The 2025 MOBO Awards proudly celebrates its partners. Marshall, the renowned amplifier company, returns for a third year as the sponsor of Best Alternative Act. New this year, got2b joins as the Official Hair Styling Partner and sponsor of the hotly contested Best Female Act category. LNER (London North Eastern Railway) also comes on board as the Official Travel Partner and sponsor of the Video of the Year category. Newcastle-founded Greggs is the Official Food Partner for the 2025 MOBO Awards and will fuel artists and teams backstage with menu favourites and bring their iconic food truck to the Awards Show and VIP Aftershow Party. Additionally, Prostate Cancer UK takes on the role of Official Charity Partner and sponsor of the Best Male category, driving awareness for an important cause.
Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the UK and its iconic trophy is now one of the highest accolades in music. The Awards have honoured music stars such as Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and Jay Z, while also helping to elevate the careers of rising stars in the industry.
The impact of the MOBO Group extends far beyond the annual awards show. MOBO is deeply committed to promoting social change and inclusion, supporting the development of young talent, and advocating for diversity across the entertainment industry and beyond. Through mentorship programmes, partnerships with educational and charitable organisations, and career development opportunities with leading organisations, MOBO has been a driving force for positive change.
By championing creativity, providing platforms for new voices, and advocating for equality, the MOBO Awards and the wider MOBO Group continue to inspire and empower talents and communities across the UK and beyond.
Note to editors:
Arena Tickets are on sale via www.MOBO.com/tickets
VIP packages are available to purchase. To find out more information, please visit mobo.com/awards
For media enquiries, contact The Outside Organisation:
David Lim – [email protected]
Suzie Fellows – [email protected]
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About MOBO
Since 1996, the MOBO Organisation has discovered and supported talent in music, film and TV. MOBO operates 365 days a year to create events, content, partnerships and opportunities for young people in the entertainment industries and beyond. For close to 30 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British music industry, celebrating excellence in Black music and culture. Its enduring legacy as the premiere outlet for recognising and honouring the artistic achievement of exceptional British and international talent in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B and Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Electronic/Dance, Alternative, Gospel and African music has been unparalleled. Global superstars who have been part of the Awards include Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Sade, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Usher, Rihanna, Cardi B, Davido and H.E.R., just to name a few. The Awards has proudly been hosted all over the United Kingdom over the years including shows in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Coventry and Sheffield. Beyond the Awards, MOBO supports undiscovered talent in music via MOBO UnSung, and across the wider creative and tech industries MOBO supports and connects career opportunities for Black talent via MOBOLISE, a platform to empower diversity, excellence and transformation in the workplace.
Prostate Cancer UK & MOBO:
Prostate Cancer UK is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the 2025 MOBO Awards, and to sponsor the Best Male category. 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, that’s double the risk of other men. We’re here to give them the power to navigate it. Whether we’re investing millions in prostate cancer research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care, campaigning to right health inequalities and get more men a lifesaving earlier diagnosis, or providing expert advice and support to men affected by prostate cancer and those who love them, we work every day to build a better future where no man is left behind. The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat, and an earlier diagnosis could save your life. Find out more:prostatecanceruk.org
About got2b
got2b – the brand that truly shows your personality, originally from the US. got2b is a trendsetter for hair styling products. Since 2001, got2b stands for unique hair styles, individual looks, attitude, and encourages people to celebrate their originality. The got2b range expertly balances product effectiveness with predominantly vegan formulas*. The got2b portfolio is unisex, diverse, colourful and perfect for anyone seeking to express their individual style. got2b believes no one ought to be held back in doing so: in 2021, got2b started its partnership with digital-first youth charity Ditch the Label to highlight the prevalence of cyberbullying and to support those who are affected by it. The aim is to prevent such behaviour right at the source and empower people to think before they act and ultimately change their actions for the better, with the goal to make the digital sphere a kinder and safer space for all.
*free from animal derived ingredients
About LNER
LNER is on a mission to transform rail travel. Our new modern Azuma fleet of trains continue more than a hundred years of LNER tradition - setting new, higher standards in comfort, reliability and customer experience. LNER calls at more than 50 stations along almost a thousand miles on the East Coast route, including major towns and cities between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland.
About Marshall
For over six decades, the legacy of Marshall has grown – chord to chord, person to person, generation to generation. It all started in 1962, and since then we’ve never stopped amplifying music for artists and fans. Marshall is proud to sponsor the Best Alternative Music Act award and the next generation of musicians who keep the world from going silent.
About Greggs
Greggs is a leading UK food-on-the-go retailer with over 2,600 shops and approximately 32,000 employees. Founded in 1939 by John Gregg in Newcastle, it has grown into one of Britain’s most beloved brands. Committed to its communities, Greggs launched its first free ‘pie n peas supper’ for older residents in the 1960s, a tradition that continues today. The Greggs Breakfast Club, established in 1999, provides over 75,000 schoolchildren with free breakfasts daily through 1,000 clubs across the UK, supported by the Greggs Foundation, a dedicated grant-making charity that aims to build stronger, healthier communities. Greggs is known for freshly made sandwiches, savouries baked daily, and popular ranges like ground coffee, breakfast items, and healthier options, including gluten-free and vegan-friendly products. Customers can enjoy these via Click + Collect or delivery through Just Eat and UberEATS. Greggs’ digital innovation includes a revamped app and website with an enhanced loyalty programme, enabling customers to earn rewards across menu categories. Advanced Customer Relationship Management capabilities further allow personalised services and offers, ensuring Greggs continues to delight customers while supporting its communities.
