The 2025 MOBO Awards: A Night of Celebrating Black Music Excellence
The MOBO Awards returned with a bang for 2025, held at Newcastle's Utilita Arena. This annual event, renowned for honoring Black music and its artists, was an eventful evening packed with not only victories but also mesmerizing performances.
One of the evening's biggest moments came when Central Cee clinched the Best Male Act award, tying with Stormzy for the most MOBO wins by a rapper. This achievement underlines Central Cee’s growing influence in the world of rap, as he continues to build his legacy in the music industry.
Another notable winner was Darkoo, who won Best Female Act. Darkoo's collaboration with Dess Dior on the track Favourite Girl also took home the Song of the Year award, further solidifying her mark on this year's awards.
Odeal also had a night to remember, scooping up both Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act. This is an extraordinary achievement for Odeal, who is definitely a new force to reckon with in the music scene.
A Night of Firsts and Historic Wins
The trailblazing artist Ayra Starr etched her name in the history books by becoming the first African woman to be awarded Best International Act. She made waves by also being the first female recipient of Best African Music Act in 16 years, adding a feather in her cap and inspiring other African artists worldwide.
Bashy, making waves yet again, achieved a double win with Album of the Year for Being Poor Is Expensive. He also took home the award for Best Hip-Hop Act, making his impactful comeback another highlight of the event.
Special recognition went to Vybz Kartel, who was honored with the MOBO Impact Award. Known for his extensive global cultural influence, this award highlights Vybz Kartel's unwavering relevance and contribution to the music world, transcending boundaries.
The event also paid homage to influential figures in other genres and fields, such as Denise Lewis DBE, who received the Paving the Way Award. Her accomplishments in athletics and beyond were duly celebrated, adding a diverse touch to the ceremony.
The MOBO Awards night was an unforgettable experience, featuring performances from the likes of Spice, a dynamic duo Krept & Konan, and a touching UK R&B tribute curated by DJ Ace with Shola Ama. Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi hosted the ceremony, which was broadcast live, reaching audiences across the globe via YouTube. It was truly a momentous event celebrating not only music but resilience, influence, and the power of Black culture.