MOBO awards arrive in Newcastle
The Utilita Arena is hosting the iconic awards tonight
Last updated 18th Feb 2025
The MOBO awards are arriving in Newcastle this evening with a star studded red carpet.
The awards celebrate Music of Black Origin, with nominees including Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Little Simz.
The big names - including CEO and founder of the MOBO's, Kanya King - arrived at Newcastle station this morning, ready for the Red Carpet this afternoon.
King, 56, has been receiving treatment for bowel cancer and said her diagnosis has been a "huge change" to her life;
"I realise that life is really, really precious, so I have to be very intentional about what I do every day", she added.
"I mean, we all know that life on this planet is short, but I know it might be shorter for me, even though I've been told I have six months to live, that's not what I'm choosing to tell myself.
"I have the right positive mindset and I'm sure I'll be here till a ripe old age."
King, who grew up in a council flat in Kilburn, north-west London and became a mother at 16, began the Mobo Awards while working as a TV researcher.
The inaugural event took place in 1996 at London's Grand Connaught Rooms and has since honoured trailblazing artists including Dave, Ghetts, Headie One, Central Cee, Aitch, and 2022 Mercury Prize winner Little Simz.
King has continued to guide the organisation ahead of the 2025 Mobo Awards taking place on Tuesday and the milestone of its 30th anniversary in 2026.
She said she is "very proud" of what organisation has achieved after remortgaging her home to set the project up, but said it has been supported by a "great team" who "all work together".
"I think what's fantastic is to see the emerging talent as young artists going on to become global superstars and changing the world in their own way," she added.
"Every young person wants to make a difference to their family, community and country, and we want to give an opportunity to those incredibly driven, compassionate creators to make them up on the world, whether it's music, film, entertainment or business."
The Mobo Awards have partnered with Prostate Cancer UK this year to to raise awareness as black men are at higher risk of developing it so early detection is important.