The 2025 MOBO Awards lit up Newcastle’s Utilita Arena with an unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration. Hosted by the charismatic Eddie Kadi and the ever-glamorous Indiyah Polack, the ceremony showcased the best in Black music with electrifying performances and well-deserved accolades.

The stage was set ablaze by powerhouse performances from Krept & Konan, Nova Twins, Bashy, Darkoo, DJ AG with Leostaytrill and Pozer, and Odeal. A special R&B medley paid tribute to the genre’s timeless influence, while dancehall queen Spice delivered a show-stopping set that had the crowd on their feet.

Some of the night’s biggest winners included Bashy, Darkoo, Odeal, and Ayra Starr—who took home two awards—along with Central Cee, who was recognised as Best Male Act.

Beyond the awards, the night honoured trailblazers who have shaped culture, with Olympic legend Denise Lewis receiving special recognition. A truly historic moment came with the presentation of the Impact Award to dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, marking his first time in the UK in over a decade. It was an exclusive and powerful moment for MOBO to honour an artist whose influence has spanned generations.

With its electric atmosphere and a celebration of talent at its heart, the 2025 MOBO Awards was a true testament to the power and influence of Black music and culture.

  • BEST MALE ACT

    Winner: Central Cee

  • BEST FEMALE ACT

    Winner: DARKOO

  • ALBUM OF THE YEAR

    Winner: Bashy

    Album: Being Poor Is Expensive

  • SONG OF THE YEAR

    Winner: Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior

    Winner: Favourite Girl

  • BEST NEWCOMER

    Winner: Odeal

  • VIDEO OF THE YEAR

    Winner: Mnelia

    Video: My Man (Directed by Femi Bello)

  • BEST R&B/SOUL ACT

    Winner: Odeal

  • BEST HIP HOP ACT

    Winner: Bashy

  • BEST GRIME ACT

    Winner: Scorcher

  • BEST DRILL ACT

    Winner: Pozer

  • BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT

    Winner: Ayra Starr

  • BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TV SHOW/FILM

    Winner: Jacob Anderson

    TV Show: Interview With The Vampaire

  • BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY

    Winner: 90s Baby Show

  • BEST AFRICAN MUSIC ACT

    Winner: Ayra Starr

  • BEST CARIBBEAN MUSIC ACT

    Winner: Shenseea

  • BEST JAZZ ACT

    Winner: Ezra Collective

  • BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ACT

    Winner: Alt Blk Era

  • BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE MUSIC ACT

    Winner: TSHA

  • BEST PRODUCER

    Winner: Juls

  • BEST GOSPEL ACT

    Winner: Annatoria

  • IMPACT AWARD

    Winner: Vybz Kartel

  • PAVING THE WAY AWARD

    Winner: Denise Lewis