CENTRAL CEE CLAIMS SEVENTH MOBO WIN, SCOOPING
BEST MALE ACT FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
– NOW TIES WITH STORMZY AS THE MOST DECORATED RAPPERS IN MOBO HISTORY
 

AYRA STARR, BASHY, DARKOO and ODEAL SCORE DOUBLE WINS

BASHY AWARDED ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR FIRST RECORD IN 15 YEARS “BEING POOR IS EXPENSIVE” AND BEST HIP-HOP ACT

AYRA STARR BECOMES FIRST AFRICAN FEMALE
TO WIN BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT and FIRST FEMALE TO WIN BEST AFRICAN MUSIC ACT in 16 YEARS

ODEAL WINS BEST NEWCOMER AND BEST R&B/SOUL ACT

DARKOO WINS BEST FEMALE ACT AND SONG OF THE YEAR FOR ‘FAVOURITE GIRL’ (FEATURING DESS DIOR)

NEWCOMERS ALT BLK ERA WIN BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ACT  

in Association with Marshall

‘KING OF DANCEHALL’ VYBZ KARTEL HONOURED WITH
MOBO IMPACT AWARD IN HIS MONUMENTAL RETURN TO THE UK

DAME DENISE LEWIS DBE CELEBRATED WITH PAVING THE WAY AWARD

KANYA KING CBE RECEIVED THE  PAVING THE WAY AWARD IN SURPRISE PRESENTATION BY DAWN BUTLER MP

An electrifying, genre-spanning celebration of Black music set Newcastle alight with performances by: SPICE, KREPT & KONAN, BASHY, ODEAL, DARKOO, NOVA TWINS, DJ AG with POZER and LEOSTAYTRILL, DJ ACE with JAZ KARIS, NAO, SASHA KEABLE, SHAE UNIVERSE and SHOLA AMA… and a surprise closing number by VYBZ KARTEL

MOBO AWARDS 2025: ACCESS ALL AREAS airs on
BBC ONE on 21 FEBRUARY, 11.25PM

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DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS WITH SHOW AND RED CARPET IMAGES

(Credit: In filename / MOBO Organisation)

Wed 19 February: The 2025 MOBO Awards was welcomed by Newcastle with open arms, and more than delivered an electrifying, genre-spanning celebration of Black music excellence and monumental wins. 

Central Cee claimed his seventh MOBO Award win, scooping Best Male Act in Association with Prostate Cancer UK. This marks the undeniable rap star’s second consecutive year winning this award. 2025 is already off to a powerful start for Central Cee, who launched his long-awaited debut album “Can’t Rush Greatness” last month, seeing it debut at No.1 on the UK Album Charts and smash the Spotify record for most streams for a UK rap album in a single day. He now ties with Stormzy as the most decorated rappers in MOBO history. 

Ayra Starr, Bashy, Darkoo and Odeal were the most-awarded artists of the night, each taking home two prizes. British artist and rapper Bashy wins the highly-coveted Album of The Year for his first release in 15 years, Being Poor is Expensive, and Best Hip Hop Act supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra. 

Taking to the stage as the final award winner of the night, Bashy said: “Wow, two in one night, amazing… This has been a twenty year plus journey, it's been hard work, a lot of ups and downs, dedication, but this is God's timing… If you’re seeing this, whether you’re on year one or year twenty on your journey and it’s tough, don’t give up… Keep going. Album of the Year, I'm not gonna stand up here and act super cool. I wanted this one as well, I wanted this, I deserved it… We did this independently, we backed ourselves, we believed in ourselves and now here we are.” 

Global Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr becomes the first African female to win Best International Act and the first female artist to earn Best African Music Act in 16 years. The monumental wins follow a landmark year which saw her release her critically-lauded album The Year I Turned 21 and make history as the first Afrobeats artist to play Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. Rising star Odeal was awarded Best Newcomer in association with YouTube and Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS, a testament to the growing popularity of cross-cultural Afro-R&B fusions.  

British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo claims Song of The Year for her infectious banger ‘Favourite Girl’ featuring Dess Dior. She also performed the winning number tonight to an ecstatic arena of music fans and stars in attendance. Genre-blurring newcomers ALT BLK ERA win Best Alternative Music Act in association with Marshall, in their second year nominated in the category. The sister duo’s win amps up a powerful night for alt musicians, alongside Nova Twins who made history as the the first alternative music act to perform at the MOBO Awards.

In yet another historic MOBO moment, Vybz Kartel, one of the most influential forces in dancehall was honoured with the MOBO Impact Award in his first return to the UK in over a decade. The music legend was the surprise closing act of the night, bringing everyone to their feet with a huge medley including “Romping Shop,” and “Fever” with dancehall queen Spice, and ending on a triumphant “Clarks.” Meanwhile, British sports icon Dame Denise Lewis DBE was celebrated with the 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.

An incredibly inspirational and moving moment of the evening arrived as MOBO celebrated its courageous leader, Kanya King CBE, who founded the MOBO Awards nearly three decades ago. King is currently being treated for stage four bowel cancer. Introduced in a powerful speech by Dawn Butler MP, Kanya King CBE was surprised with her own Paving the Way special honour. Speaking to a standing ovation, the MOBO Awards CEO and Founder, Kanya King CBE told the crowd: “Your support and friendship mean more than I can ever express. Tonight, as I stand here at the Utilita Arena looking out at this incredible audience, I feel profound gratitude. Because there was a time I didn’t think I’d make it to this stage. But I have never allowed someone else to define my limits. Not in life. Not in business. And certainly not now.

She continued, “For three decades, I have put everything on the line to build this platform. Let me be real with you, if I had ignored the signs I wouldn't be here now. In my cancer journey, I want to educate others. Search 'check my risk' or visit the Prostate UK website. For yourself, for your brothers, for your fathers and sons And for the ladies we're releasing initiatives to address health inequalities. Because this fight is for all of us. This isn't the end of my story, it's a new chapter.”

2025 MOBO AWARD WINNERS

Best Male Act in Association with Prostate Cancer UK - Central Cee 

Best Female Act in association with got2b - Darkoo

Best Newcomer in association with YouTube - Odeal 

Album of The Year - Bashy - Being Poor is Expensive 

Song of The Year - Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior - ‘Favourite Girl’ 

Video of The Year in association with LNER - Mnelia - ‘My Man’ (Directed by Femi Bello) 

Best Hip Hop Act supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra - Bashy 

Best Grime Act supported by TRENCH - Scorcher 

Best Drill Act - Pozer 

Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS - Odeal 

Best Media Personality - 90s baby show 

Best African Music Act - Ayra Starr 

Best Performance In A TV Show/Film - Jacob Anderson as Louis in ‘Interview With The Vampire’ 

Best Electronic/Dance Music Act supported by BEMA & Mixmag - TSHA 

Best Gospel Act supported by Premier Gospel - Annatoria 

Best Jazz Act - Ezra Collective 

Best Producer - Juls 

Best Caribbean Music Act - Shenseea 

Best Alternative Music Act in association with Marshall - Alt Blk Era 

Best International Act - Ayra Starr 

SPECIAL HONOURS:

MOBO Paving The Way Award - Denise Lewis DBE

MOBO Impact Award - Vybz Kartel 

MOBO made an indelible impression with their Newcastle debut tonight, bringing out a show-stopping array of live performances. Bashy kicked off the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music with an impactful medley of songs from his MOBO-winning album: ‘Blessed’, ‘Sticky’ and ‘How Black Men Lose Their Smile’. Two-time winner of the night, Odeal, stole the show with his irresistible Afro-R&B number ‘Soh Soh’ before Nova Twins rocked the stage with their latest single ‘Monsters’. British rap kings Krept & Konan delivered a poignant medley of ‘Nala’s Song’ and ‘Delroy’s Son’ from their latest album, Young Kingz II. Darkoo brought the party vibe with the MOBO Song of The Year ‘Favourite Girl’ and ‘Focus On Me’, before DJ AG lifted the atmosphere further with a potent set showcasing two promising Best Newcomer nominees: Pozer (performing ‘Kitchen Stove’ and ‘Shanghai Noon’) and LeoStayTrill (with ‘2s N 3s’ and ‘Pink Lemonade’). 

Keeping the tour de force of music going, DJ Ace staged a celebration of UK R&B like no other – bringing out Shola Ama (performing ‘You Might Need Somebody’), Nao (performing ‘Drive and Disconnect’), Jaz Karis (performing ‘Petty Lover’), Shae Universe (performing ‘LOML’), and Sasha Keable (performing ‘Hold Up’). The epic night closed with a celebration of dancehall royalty. One of the most anticipated performances of this year’s MOBO Awards, Spice did not disappoint with her undeniable medley of ‘Hell No’ and ‘So Mi Like It’ before a surprise appearance by MOBO Impact Award honouree, Vybz Kartel, in his first UK performance in over a decade.

This year’s MOBO Awards, hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, was livestreamed to a global audience on YouTube. The exclusive BBC One broadcast special, MOBO Awards 2025: Access All Areas – hosted by DJ Target – airs on 21 February at 11.25pm.

Ahead of the Awards, the MOBO Fringe Festival programme showcased a spectacular range of events in a five-day festival across Newcastle, celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing the city’s creative spirit - from industry summits, live performances to community workshops. The line-up included the recently-announced 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.

The MOBO Awards 2025 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:

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.