Music lovers at theautonomics.com can celebrate as the 2025 MOBO Awards have officially crowned its winners, with Central Cee, Bashy, and Ayra Starr emerging as some of the biggest names of the night. The prestigious event, now in its 27th year, took place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Tuesday, February 18, and was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and Love Island star Indiyah Polack.
The ceremony, which honors music of Black origin, was live-streamed on YouTube at 8 PM, with an exclusive Access All Areas broadcast set to air on BBC One on Friday, February 21, at 11:25 PM. The night was filled with standout performances, emotional speeches, and significant wins that highlight the influence and diversity of Black music across various genres.
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Bashy and Darkoo Lead the Night with Multiple Wins
Bashy secured the coveted Album of the Year award for Being Poor Is Expensive, marking his first album release in 15 years. The album, which had already been recognized as one of NME’s 50 Best Albums of 2024, also earned him the title of Best Hip Hop Act.
Meanwhile, Darkoo dominated the evening by winning Best Female Act and Song of the Year for Favourite Girl, featuring Dess Dior. Another double winner of the night was Ayra Starr, who clinched both Best African Music Act and Best International Act awards.
Odeal also emerged victorious in two categories, taking home Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act. Other notable winners included Central Cee, who was named Best Male Act for a record-breaking third time, and Ezra Collective, who won Best Jazz Act.
Full List of 2025 MOBO Award Winners
- Best Male Act: Central Cee
- Best Female Act: Darkoo
- Best Newcomer: Odeal
- Album of the Year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
- Song of the Year: Darkoo (ft. Dess Dior) – Favourite Girl
- Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man
- Best Hip Hop Act: Bashy
- Best Grime Act: Scorcher
- Best Drill Act: Pozer
- Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal
- Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show
- Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson (Interview With The Vampire)
- Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA
- Best Gospel Act: Annatoria
- Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
- Best Producer: Juls
- Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea
- Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
Special Honors and Performances
Two special awards were also presented at the ceremony. Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis received the MOBO Paving The Way Award, recognizing her achievements beyond the world of music. Meanwhile, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel was honored with the MOBO Impact Award for his significant influence on the genre.
The night was further elevated with electrifying performances from Krept & Konan, Spice, Nova Twins, and Nao. Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal also took the stage, delivering powerful performances that resonated with fans and attendees alike.
MOBO Awards Founder on the Event’s Legacy
Speaking ahead of the event, MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE expressed excitement about the awards continuing to highlight Black music’s cultural impact. “MOBO has always been about shaping cultural moments that celebrate the richness and diversity of music, and this year will be no exception,” she said.
“Our R&B celebration promises to be a defining highlight, alongside an incredible showcase of genres on the MOBO stage. There’s something truly special about bringing these moments to life—experiences that fans can only witness at the MOBO Awards. We can’t wait to unveil even more surprises as we build up to February 18.”
The MOBO Awards continue to be one of the most anticipated nights in music, providing a platform for Black artists to be recognized for their contributions across multiple genres.
