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ODEAL, NOVA TWINS, DARKOO,
DJ AG, POZER & LEOSTAYTRILL JOIN THE LINEUP ALONGSIDE A STELLAR R&B CELEBRATION FEATURING DJ ACE, JAZ KARIS, NAO, SASHA KEABLE, SHAE UNIVERSE & SHOLA AMA
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18 FEBRUARY 2025
LIVE FROM UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE
CEREMONY TO BE LIVE-STREAMED ON YOUTUBE AT 8PM GMT
WITH A BBC ONE SPECIAL AIRING ON 21 FEBRUARY
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Thursday 6th February 2025, 9AM GMT: The MOBO Awards just turned up the heat with the announcement of an electrifying second wave of performers, promising one of the most unforgettable nights in the UK music calendar.
MOBO’s long history of championing R&B continues, not only with a performance by Odeal but also with a one-of-a-kind R&B celebration, led by legendary tastemaker and KISS host DJ Ace and bringing together some of the most powerful voices in UK R&B on one stage. Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shae Universe and UK R&B royalty Shola Ama will unite for a special performance honouring the genre’s rich legacy and future.
The 2025 MOBO Awards will see an explosive mix of genres and energy brought to the stage with performances from Darkoo, Nova Twins, DJ AG, Pozer and LeoStayTrill at Utilita Arena Newcastle on 18 February.
The Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm GMT, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast special airing on 21 February.
Odeal will be performing on a night when he is up for three awards: Best R&B/Soul Act Supported by KISS, Best Newcomer and Song of the Year for ‘Soh-Soh’. Pushing the boundaries of R&B, the complex Alté artist credits his genre-surfing musical style to a nomadic life growing up and his ability to cross cultures when he fuses afrobeats with rich and silky R&B vocals. He capped a series of releases in 2024 with the EP Lustropolis, which he described as “a world where I’m comfortable and defeated at the same time, going back to my old habits but also longing for the love that slipped out of my hands”.
The MOBO Awards R&B celebration, led by DJ Ace, will see some of the hottest voices - including three nominees for Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS - coming together on the MOBO Awards stage for the first time. Jaz Karis, took in her family’s Gospel, Soca and Soul influence to create her own unique blend of R&B, Soul, Amapiano and Afropop, dropping her debut album Safe Flight in September. Sasha Keable, a former Disclosure collaborator, is hotly tipped for 2025, touted as an ‘artist to watch’ by both Spotify and Amazon. Last year the unique Shaé Universe released the concept album Love’s Letter, exploring the ten messages love might send through life’s journey. The nominees will be joined by East Londoner NAO, who will release her new brand album, Jupiter, on 21st February - her first since 2021’s acclaimed And Then Life Was Beautiful. The lineup is completed by London R&B legend Shola Ama, who shot to fame in 1997 with the Top 5 hit ‘You Might Need Somebody’ and has enjoyed an illustrious career since she was overheard singing on a platform at Hammersmith Tube station at the age of 15.
MOBO has long-championed a breadth of music and the night will feature a performance from MOBO Award-nominated alternative mavericks Nova Twins - Amy Love and Georgia South - who are renowned for their electric live shows and even bigger tunes. The pair have won fans in icons from Tom Morello to Elton John, and this month unveiled the blistering new single ‘Monsters’, a statement of intent that combines roaring power with honest vulnerability, offering a glimpse of a boundary-pushing album to come.
Darkoo kicked off 2025 with her latest single, ‘Focus On Me (All The Sexy Girls In The Club)’, an infectious anthem packed with upbeat afrobeats vibes, and is nominated for Best Female Act In Association with got2b and Song Of The Year for ‘Favourite Girl’ featuring Dess Dior at the MOBO Awards 2025. After exploding onto the scene in late 2019 with the anthemic track ‘Gangsta' featuring One Acen she has built up more than 4.5 million monthly listeners.
Renowned for his impromptu sets, spreading positivity on the streets of the capital, Tottenham native DJ AG was named Time Out’s Londoner Of The Year for 2024. He has been accompanied by some of the hottest MCs in the business, including Central Cee, Skepta, JME, Craig David, Jorja Smith, Tiwa Savage, Chipmunk, Baby Cham and Krept & Konan to name a few. In the past month, AG has amassed nearly 50 million views on Instagram and TikTok combined. Beyond the street shows and livestreams, he also performs in care homes, youth organisations, schools and rehabilitation centres, all so he can spread joy through music.
At the MOBO Awards ceremony, DJ AG will be joined by nominees in the Best Newcomer category, including Pozer, who broke through in 2024 with his huge single ‘Kitchen Stove’ and who is also nominated for Best Drill Act. Just a year into his career, the Croydon rapper boasts more than 105 million global streams across his short catalogue, catching the attention of and collaborating with industry heavyweights like Stormzy, AJ Tracey and Chase & Status as well as next-gen trailblazers like Nemzzz and Chy Cartier. Also joining DJ AG will be 18-year-old producer and rapper LeoStayTrill, who has a second nomination for Song Of The Year for the viral hit ‘Pink Lemonade’. In January he released the hypnotic and confident ‘Selena’. Boasting millions of monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 2.5 million TikTok video creations, 48 million likes on Tik Tok and over 100 million streams, in only a year, Leo has crashed onto the scene in a spectacular fashion.
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: "MOBO has always been about shaping cultural moments that celebrate the richness and diversity of music, and this year will be no exception. Our R&B celebration promises to be a defining highlight, alongside an incredible showcase of genres on the MOBO stage. There's something truly special about bringing these moments to life—experiences that fans can only witness at the MOBO Awards. We can't wait to unveil even more surprises as we build up to February 18."
This latest announcement follows the previously confirmed Spice, Krept & Konan, and Bashy, adding to a powerhouse lineup that represents the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of Black music, with the show being staged in Newcastle for the first time. Tickets are available at mobo.com/tickets.
The MOBO Awards 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. 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.
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.
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:
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
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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.
