MOBO Awards 2025: Winners announced
The event took place on Tuesday 18th February
Last updated 15th Sep 2025
The 2025 MOBO Awards graced the North East of England for the first time in history. The big event took place on Tuesday 18th February, where this year's winners were announced.
Here's your ultimate guide to the 2025 MOBO Awards...
When was it?
The 2025 MOBO Awards took place on Tuesday 18th February.
Where did it take place?
For the first time in MOBO history, the 2025 ceremony headed to Newcastle! The event was held at at the Utilita Arena.
Who hosted the show?
Former Love Island star Indiyah Polack returned for a second year to host the MOBO Awards, alongside comedian Eddie Kadi.
Indiyah Polack said before the event: “I’m so excited to be back co-hosting the MOBO Awards for the second year. We’re going to bring a show like no other before to Newcastle, celebrating the richness of Black music and culture. You can expect some incredible red carpet looks, amazing live performances and of course, great vibes from Eddie and I.”
Eddie Kadi added: “The MOBO Awards is a big part of British music culture and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this year’s ceremony with Indiyah. There are so many incredible artists nominated and the show is going to reflect the incredible range of the MOBO Awards – from hip hop to dancehall and more surprises to come! Watch this space. We can’t wait to bring the party to Newcastle where we know the energy is going to be electric!”
Who won a MOBO Award in 2025?
The nominees for the MOBO Awards 2025 were unveiled in December 2024, with nominees falling across over 20 categories. Artists Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol are leading the way with three nominations each, as well as the likes of RAYE, Central Cee, Little Simz, Chase & Status, Headie One, Skepta, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and more.
Album of The Year and Best R&B/Soul Act is supported by KISS FM.
The winners were then announced during the live ceremony on Tuesday 18th February, where Central Cee become the first artist to be named best male act three times.
Check out the full list of winners below:
Best Male Act
Central Cee - WINNER
Bashy
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
Nemzzz
Sampha
Best Female Act In Association With Got2b
Darkoo - WINNER
Cleo Sol
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Raye
Album Of The Year
Bashy - Being Poor Is Expensive - WINNER
Cleo Sol - Gold
Ghetts - On Purpose, With Purpose
Jorja Smith - Falling Or Flying
Sampha - Lahai
Skrapz - Reflection
Song Of The Year
Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior - Favourite Girl - WINNER
Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby - Band4Band
Chase & Status, Stormzy - Backbone
Jordan Adetunji - Kehlani
Leostaytrill - Pink Lemonade
Odeal - Soh-Soh
Best Newcomer
Odeal - WINNER
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Myles Smith
Pozer
Video Of The Year
Mnelia - My Man (Directed By Femi Bello) - WINNER
Meekz - Mini Me’s (Directed By Kc Locke)
Raye - Genesis (Directed By Otis Dominique & Raye)
Sampha - Only (Directed By Dexter Navy)
Skepta - Gas Me Up (Diligent) (Directed By Steveo)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner - Hocus Pocus (Directed By Felix Brady)
Best R&B/Soul Act
Odeal - WINNER
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Music Act
Alt Blk Era - WINNER
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best Grime Act
Scorcher -WINNER
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
Best Hip Hop Act
Bashy - WINNER
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best Drill Act
Pozer - WINNER
163\margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Kairo Keyz
K-Trap
Best International Act
Ayra Starr - WINNER
Asake
Beyonce
Glorilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film
Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The Vampire - WINNER
Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In Eastenders
Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book Ii: Ghost
Diane Parish As Denise Fox In Eastenders
Dionne Brown As Queenie In Queenie
Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell
Jasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top Boy
Josh Tedeku As Tazer In Supacell
Kingsley Ben-Adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love
Tosin Cole As Michael In Supacell
Best Media Personality
90's Baby Show -WINNER
Aj Odudu
Chuckie Online
Craig Mitch
Henrie Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Specs Gonzalez
The Receipts Podcast
Zeze Millz
Best African Music Act
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) - WINNER
Asake (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean Music Act
Shenseea - WINNER
Popcaan
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
Yg Marley
Best Jazz Act
Ezra Collective - WINNER
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act Supported By Mixmag
Tsha - WINNER
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Shygirl
Best Producer
Juls - WINNER
Ceebeaats
Inflo
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
Best Gospel Act
Annatoria - WINNER
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
How can I watch it?
The 2025 MOBO Awards were live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm on Tuesday 18th February. Fans could also watch the ceremony on BBC One on Friday 21st February.
You can now watch the 2025 ceremony on BBC iPlayer.
Who performed?
Krept and Konan, Spice and Bashy were the first set of performers announced for the 2025 MOBO Awards.
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."
The second wave of performers were announced on Thursday 6th February, including Odeal, Nova Twins, Darkoo, DJ Ag, Pozer and Leostaytrill, DJ Ace, Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shae Universe and Shola Ama.
The MOBO Impact Award
On Monday 17th February, it was announced that 'King of Dancehall' Vybz Kartel would be honoured with the MOBO Impact Award.
A social media post read: 'Worl’ Boss. Dancehall King. A true cultural ICON. 🔥
'Your 2025 #MOBOAwards MOBO Impact Award honouree is none other than @vybzkartel! 🏆
'His musical influence? Undeniable. His impact? Unmatched. From redefining the sound of Dancehall to inspiring a global movement, his influence transcends generations'. (sic)
MOBO Paving the Way Award
It was announced on Monday 17th February that Dame Denise Lewis DBE had been awarded the MOBO Paving the Way Award.
MOBO wrote on social media: 'A champion on the track. A trailblazer in sport. A powerhouse on our screens.
'We’re proud to honour the phenomenal @realdeniselewis with the Paving The Way Award at the 2025 #MOBOAwards!
'From making history in athletics to breaking barriers in broadcasting, Denise has paved the way for future generations with her talent, determination, and grace. A true pioneer who continues to inspire. Denise, we salute you'. (sic)
Now check out the biggest tours to look forward to in 2025:
JLS
JLS boys Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill are going on another tour across the UK in November! JLS will begin in Glasgow, before their final date in London at the end of the month.
Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot announced in March 2025 he's heading out on his first ever arena headline show! Cian is playing dates across the UK and Ireland in July, September and December!
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim has announced eight dates for his 'Acid Ballroom' tour in February 2026, two in each of the cites - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Kesha
'Tik Tok' singer Kesha has announced a new tour for 2026, performing at four UK venues, as well as across Europe in March 2026.
Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne will be going on a tour in April 2026. The tour is called 'My Ego Told Me To Tour' and is in support of her debut solo album 'My Ego Told Me To', which will be released in February. She will be playing dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London as part of a wider European tour.
Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs next summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
Now read:
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