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And the Award Goes To…

Your Complete MOBOs 2025 Winners List

The MOBO Awards 2025 delivered another unforgettable night, honouring the best in Black music and culture. Hosted at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, the ceremony saw a new milestone reached, with Central Cee becoming the most awarded artist in MOBO history.

Nigerian star Ayra Starr also made history, securing both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, making her the first female artist in 16 years to achieve this double win.


As always, the evening brought together a powerful mix of established artists and rising talent, with live performances from Bashy, Darkoo, Odeal, and Pozer, each delivering standout moments that showcased the depth and range of contemporary Black music.


A Night of Significant Wins

This year’s MOBO winners reflected a broad spectrum of talent across multiple genres. Some of the most notable awards included:


Best R&B/Soul Act – Odeal


Odeal at MOBO Awards 2025. Euan Cherry/Getty Images
Odeal at MOBO Awards 2025. Euan Cherry/Getty Images



Best International Act – Ayra Starr


Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage via Getty Images.
Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage via Getty Images.



Best Caribbean Music Act – Shenseea


Image Source: Shenseea in Dolce & Gabbana at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love movie in Los Angeles
Image Source: Shenseea in Dolce & Gabbana at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love movie in Los Angeles


Best Male Act – Central Cee


Central Cee
Jack Bridgland
Central Cee Jack Bridgland



Best Female Act  – Darkoo

Song of the Year – Darkoo ft. Dess Dior – Favourite Girl



Best Hip-Hop Act – Bashy

Album of the Year – Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive


@eljaybriss
Credits @eljaybriss


Best Drill Act – Pozer




Best Alternative Music Act – ALT BLK ERA


Image credit: Dean Chalkley
Image credit: Dean Chalkley



The awards also recognised achievements beyond music. Denise Lewis was honoured with the MOBO Paving the Way Award for her contributions to sport and culture, while Vybz Kartel received the MOBO Impact Award for his lasting influence on dancehall and global music.


Meanwhile, the Best Media Personality award went to The 90s Baby Show, reflecting the ever-growing influence of digital platforms in shaping cultural conversations.



The Evolution of the MOBOs

Over the years, the MOBOs have remained a defining platform for Black British and international music, adapting to new sounds while staying rooted in its mission to elevate Black artistry. This year’s winners underscored the increasing globalisation of the scene, with Afrobeats, dancehall, and alternative sounds gaining even more recognition alongside hip-hop, R&B, and grime. Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective and Best Producer – Juls further highlighted the diversity and depth of the talent being recognised, showing that innovation within Black music is thriving across all genres.


With groundbreaking achievements, powerful performances, and a fresh wave of talent pushing the boundaries of genre, the MOBO Awards 2025 reaffirmed its place as one of the most important nights in music.


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