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PROSTATE CANCER UK ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER
18 FEBRUARY 2025
LIVE FROM UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE
CEREMONY TO BE LIVE-STREAMED ON YOUTUBE
WITH A BBC ONE SPECIAL BROADCAST TO FOLLOW
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JANUARY 20, 9:00AM GMT: The stage is set! Global dancehall queen Spice, UK rap kings Krept and Konan and the multi-talented Bashy are the first wave of performers announced to ignite the stage at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
For the first time ever, the MOBO Awards bring the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture to the North East, live from Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18th February. This first wave of performers is only a glimpse of the unforgettable moments in store for the MOBO Awards’ most electrifying year yet. Tickets are available at mobo.com/tickets.
Jamaican musician Spice, aka the queen of dancehall, will be bringing her vibrant flair to the MOBO Awards stage. Nominated for the Best Caribbean Music Act this year, Spice’s outstanding legacy speaks for itself. The singer earned an iTunes top 10 debut album ranking in 2024, charting highly across Canada and Jamaica, with the release of her fearless new album, Mirror 25. The singer will bring a showstopping mix of the very best of dancehall to Newcastle.
British artist and rapper Bashy is also set to perform, following his highly anticipated return to music last year with the release of a brand new studio album - the acclaimed Being Poor is Expensive - his first in 15 years. The musician is known for his multi-hyphenate talent and has been nominated for 3 MOBO awards: Album of the Year, Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK and Best Hip-hop Act — and his performance is set to be a highlight of the night.
British hip hop duo Krept and Konan are long-time MOBO Awards alumni. The London borough rappers have stood as leading faces of the UK rap scene for over a decade — the pair were recognised as Best Newcomers by MOBO in 2013 and, later, awarded Best Hip Hop Act in 2015. Now, returning back to the MOBO Awards stage, Krept and Konan will deliver an unforgettable performance, exclusively for MOBO.
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “We’re thrilled to announce the first wave of performers for the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle. Each of these artists brings something truly special to the stage, and this is just the beginning. From the vibrant energy of dancehall to the dynamic sounds of UK rap and R&B, we’re curating a night full of unforgettable moments. This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most electrifying yet, and we can’t wait to reveal more incredible talent as we count down to February 18. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!”
Last month, the MOBO Awards proudly announced the nominees across 20 categories for their 2025 edition. 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 FM. 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.
Today MOBO can also proudly announce that Prostate Cancer UK is the official Charity Partner of the 2025 MOBO Awards, and sponsor of the Best Male Act category. 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, that’s double the risk of other men. But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. By partnering with MOBO, Prostate Cancer UK continues to raise vital awareness of the most common cancer in men and help more Black men get a lifesaving earlier diagnosis. For more details, visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org .
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “Cancer is something that has personally impacted my life, making this partnership with Prostate Cancer UK deeply meaningful. At MOBO, we’ve always strived to use our platform to inspire change and address issues affecting our community. With 1 in 4 Black men at risk of prostate cancer, this collaboration is an opportunity to amplify a lifesaving message, challenge health inequalities, and encourage more men to seek early diagnosis. Together, we can create awareness and save lives.”
The 2025 MOBO Awards proudly celebrates its partners. Marshall, the renowned amplifier company, returns for a third year as the sponsor of Best Alternative Music Act. Loco Music, a Cape Verdean music company, once again sponsors the Best African Music Act category. New for this year, got2b joins as the Official Hair Styling Partner and sponsor of the hotly contested Best Female Act category and LNER will be transporting you to the awards in style as the Official Travel Partner. The train operator is also sponsoring the Video of the Year category.
This announcement also comes as part of the broader celebration surrounding the MOBO Awards, with the recently unveiled MOBO Fringe Festival program adding to the excitement. Running from February 13 to February 17, the five-day festival will showcase a spectacular range of events across Newcastle, celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing the city’s creative spirit. From intimate performances to community workshops, the MOBO Fringe offers something for everyone in the lead-up to the UK’s biggest night in Black music and culture. To find out more, please visit mobo.com/fringe.
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 Prostate Cancer UK:
Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK, striving for a world where no man dies of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, that’s double the risk of other men. If you’re Black, your risk also increases if your dad or brother had it, or you’re over 45.
The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat, and an earlier diagnosis could save your life. You can check your risk in just 30 seconds here.
Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can visit the Prostate Cancer UK website or contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383, or via email, webchat or WhatsApp
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 and 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 Loco Music Company
Loco Music Company are excited to continue their partnership with the MOBO Organisation. This partnership embodies a shared vision of nurturing and promoting exceptional musical talent and represents a long-term commitment to not just elevate artists from Cape Verde and Portuguese-speaking countries but to also foster cultural appreciation and innovation across the global music scene. Loco Music's dedication to showcasing diverse musical genres and the MOBO Organisation's rich history of supporting talent in music, film, and TV, unite us in our mission to inspire, entertain, and create meaningful connections with audiences worldwide. Together, we are poised to make a significant impact, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Lusophone countries and beyond.
