MOBO Awards 2025 nominations announced as triple nominees Jorja Smith, Ghetts and Central Cee are among the stars leading the pack

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As a seasoned music enthusiast and culture connoisseur, I must say that this year’s MOBO Awards nominations have left me absolutely spellbound! The sheer diversity of talent, spanning genres from R&B to Grime, is a testament to the richness and vibrancy of our UK scene.

For the upcoming MOBO Awards 2025, Jorja Smith, Ghetts, and Central Cee have been named among the top contenders. These nominations were officially revealed on Wednesday.

For the very first time, the annual awards event will happen in Newcastle this year, specifically at the Utilita Arena on February 18th.

In an eagerly anticipated event, artists such as Jorja Smith, Ghetts, Central Cee, Sampha, Bashy (also known as Ashley Thomas from Top Boy), Cleo Sol, and Odeal each have three nominations apiece, making for a closely fought competition.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that the remarkable Singer-songwriter Jorja, aged 27, has been honored with nominations across three prestigious categories: Best Female Act, Album of The Year, and Best R&B/Soul Act.

Simultaneously, the rap artist known as Ghetts garnered acclaim for his achievements in music and acting. He was nominated for Best Male Act, Album of the Year, and even Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for his portrayal of Krazy in Netflix’s Supacell.

Currently, Central Cee draws over 25 million monthly music streams. In the year 2024, he released hit singles like ‘BAND4BAND’ featuring Lil Baby, which was nominated for Song of the Year. He is also a nominee in the categories of Best Male Act and Best Drill Act.

Following an exceptional year in her professional journey, RAYE finds herself nominated twice, even positioning herself for a potential repeat victory in the Best Female Act category.

Sampha topped the UK R&B charts with his second album, Lahai, and is nominated by MOBO for Best Male Act and Album of The Year and his music video Only, directed by Dexter Navy, has been shortlisted for Video of the Year in Association with LNER.

This year, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are up for the Best International Act award, but it’s also been a standout year for rising female African stars. In fact, Ayra Starr, Tems, and Tyla have all been nominated in not one, but two categories: Best African Music Act in Association with Loco Music and Best International Act.

As a devoted devotee, I’m thrilled to share that after establishing a flourishing acting career, which includes my role as Jermaine Newton in Top Boy, I, Bashy, embarked on a musical journey once more, releasing my first studio album in 15 years.

The album titled “The Record: Being Poor Is Costly” offers a personal reflection on his childhood experiences, earning him nominations in the categories of Best Male Performer, Best Hip Hop Artist, and Album of the Year.

As a dedicated music enthusiast, I find the MOBO Awards not only about music but also highlighting significant cultural achievements. This year, it’s truly exciting to see Ghetts, Josh Tedeku (Tazer), and Tosin Cole (Michael) from the popular Netflix series Supacell receiving nominations for Best Performance In a TV Show/Film.

In June, a TV show premiered that follows an unassuming group of individuals from South London who unexpectedly gain special abilities. By August, the show had been granted a second season to continue its storyline.

In the same category, EastEnders garnered nominations for Angela Wynter (as Yolande Trueman), as well as Diane Parish (as Denise Fox).

Kanya King CBE, founder of MOBO, expressed: “Every time we reveal the nominees for the MOBO Awards, I’m consistently amazed by the abundance of extraordinary talent here in the UK. This serves as motivation for us all to strive towards making the industry more welcoming to a broader spectrum of Black music and culture.

Over the last year, the music emerging from the UK has been exceptional, rivaling some of the best we’ve heard in years. These unique, unyielding voices, spanning various genres including R&B, Soul, Grime, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Alternative, are not just background tunes for our lives; they serve as powerful expressions that resonate deeply with us.

‘They offer solace, introspection, and an escape when needed. For quite some time now, our MOBO UnSung talent program has been shining brightly, showcasing and boosting emerging artists. Many of the artists recognized by UnSung have gone on to accomplish remarkable feats, and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey, cheering them on and celebrating their victories.’

Heartfelt congratulations to all our nominees spanning music, films, TV shows, and the entertainment industry! We eagerly anticipate your arrival in Newcastle!

The tickets for the event were made available as early as October, but the details about the star performers, award recipients, and hosts have not been disclosed yet.

As a devoted fan, this year, I had the pleasure of following the MOBO Awards that unfolded in the vibrant city of Sheffield. The event was masterfully hosted by the dynamic duo, Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, while Zeze Millz graced us with his presence as the roving co-host, keeping us engaged throughout the proceedings.

On this special night, Potter Payper, Central Cee, and RAYE took home the top awards, while Ghetts received the prestigious MOBO Pioneer Award.

In other locations, the Sugababes were honored with the MOBO Impact Award, while Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was recognized with the MOBO Trailblazer Award.

The ceremony featured show-stopping live performances by Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, plus an electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoony.

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2024-12-04 14:37