MOBO Awards 2025: Central Cee Scoops Third Year in a Row

2025 MOBO Awards winners were revealed during a glitzy event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Tuesday evening, which featured an array of famous faces.

This year, Bashy, Ayra Starr, Darkoo, and Odeal emerged as leading contenders, each receiving two awards. Furthermore, Central Cee equaled the record for the most awards won by a rapper in the history of the MOBOs.

In 2021, Bashy, Ayra Starr, Darkoo, and Odeal claimed two awards apiece, making them the frontrunners. To add to this, Central Cee achieved a significant milestone by tying for the most MOBO awards won among rappers.

For the third consecutive time, he clinched the title of Best Male Actor, thus adding another victory to his collection, now equaling Stormzy’s total count of awards at seven.

Instead, Oakley Caesar-Su, the artist behind the award-winning work, was unable to attend the grand event where he received his recognition.

Although Oakley Caesar-Su (the artist) was recognized at the high-profile ceremony, he was not present to receive his accolade in person.

In a tough fight against formidable contenders, Ayra managed to secure the title of Best International Act, outshining this year’s Grammy heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé.

16 years ago, a trophy for the Best African Music Act was last won by a female Nigerian singer-songwriter, making her history as the first woman to claim this award in over a decade.

In a notable recognition, Darkoo emerged as the Best Female Artist from Nigeria, surpassing talented artists such as RAYE, Jorja Smith, Little Simz, Cleo Sol, and Nia Archives in this category.

The artist who raps and sings was additionally honored with the prestigious Song of the Year title for her popular collaboration with Dess Dior, titled Favourite Girl.

German-born artist Odeal was awarded with Best Newcomer as well as scoring Best R&B or Soul Act.

After a 15-year hiatus, Bashy’s debut album “Being Poor Is Expensive” was a major success, earning him the coveted title of “Album of the Year”.

While the actor and rapper, 40, also landed the win in the Best Hip-Hop Act category as well.

The Video of the Year category was won by Mnelia for My Man, which was directed by Femi Bello.

Jacob Anderson clinched the victory for Best Acting Performance in a TV series or movie, thanks to his outstanding portrayal of Louis in Interview With The Vampire.

In a fierce competition, the actor and musician outperformed other contenders, notably Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in “Bob Marley: One Love”, as well as Ghetts and Josh Tedeku from “Supacell”, Jasmine Jobson in “Top Boy”, and Diane Parish and Angela Wynter from “EastEnders”.

The title for the Best Grime Artist went to Scorcher, while Pozer took home the award for Best Drill Artist. TSHA and Ezra Collective were recognized as the Best Electronic Dance Music Act, and they also won the Best Jazz Act accolade.

Or simply:

– Scorcher claimed the Best Grime Act title.
– Pozer became the Best Drill Act.
– TSHA and Ezra Collective earned two awards: Best Electronic Dance Music Act and Best Jazz Act.

In the awards ceremony, Annatoria took home the title for Best Gospel Act, Shenseea was awarded Best Caribbean Music Act, and ALT BLK ERA claimed victory in the Best Alternative Act category.

The Outstanding Producer attended the 90s Baby Show, a popular comedy podcast, and was honored with the award for Exceptional Media Personality.

In addition, as night fell, there was a presentation of two unique accolades, one of which was the Paving The Way Award that went to Olympic gold medalist Dame Denise Lewis for her outstanding contributions.

The prize honors individuals who have laid a path for future success in sports, entertainment, and cultural fields.

In my professional opinion as a lifestyle expert, I cannot help but express my admiration for Denise before the upcoming event. This remarkable woman not only made history in athletics but also shattered barriers in broadcasting. She has truly set an inspiring example for future generations with her unparalleled talent, indomitable willpower, and poised grace. Her journey is one that we should all learn from and celebrate.

‘A legendary figure and a powerful inspiration in British sports, always raising the bar, whether on or off the field. Indeed, a formidable presence. A living testament to greatness. Denise Lewis, our admiration knows no bounds!’

As Vybz Kartel, the renowned Jamaican dancehall deejay, was recognized with the prestigious MOBO Impact Award, this honor was bestowed upon him for his momentous comeback to the UK. The award is typically given to an artist who has made significant strides and paved the way in their particular genre.

Previously incarcerated for 13 years on murder charges, he was freed last year following a decision by the UK Privy Council to overturn his conviction due to alleged jury-bribing incidents during the original trial.

During the MOBO Awards, founder Kanya King delivered a moving speech following her announcement about her terminal cancer battle.

In September, the 56-year-old businesswoman learned devastating news: her advanced bowel cancer, which had metastasized to her liver and lymph nodes, was terminal, giving her approximately six more months of life.

However, she smiled brightly as she stepped onto the stage, greeted by a thunderous applause, where she delivered a talk focusing on the MOBO Awards and the significance of good health.

Kanya shared: “My journey doesn’t end here; this marks the beginning of a fresh phase for my expression, my influence, and my crusade on an issue equally important as music – our wellbeing.

Allow me to speak candidly: Had I disregarded the warnings and overlooked the indications, I wouldn’t be standing before you today. My battle with cancer has led me on a path of learning, and I wish to share that knowledge with others.

She burst into tears when she was taken aback on stage, receiving the honor of another Paving The Way Award.

Alternatively,

Tears streamed down her face as she was unexpectedly given another Paving The Way Award onstage.

Lastly,

The moment she was presented with another Paving The Way Award onstage left her in tears from surprise.

During the event, triple-winning artists Odeal, Darkoo, and Bashy graced the stage for their performance. The night was filled with music as well, featuring acts by rock duo Nova Twins and the popular British hip hop pairing, Krept And Konan.

Once more, the awards were presented by Love Island alum Indiyah Polack, who also hosted last year’s event. This time, she was joined on stage by comedian Eddie Kadi.

Before the ceremony, she expressed her thrill at returning and noted, “We’re preparing to present an unprecedented spectacle in Newcastle, one that honors and showcases the depth of Black music and culture like never before.

Mobo Awards 2025: Access All Areas airs on BBC One on February 21 at 11.25pm. 

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2025-02-19 01:21

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