MOBO Awards 2025: Nominees Announced for Groundbreaking Newcastle Ceremony.

The MOBO Awards, the UK’s leading celebration of Black music and culture, are back with a stellar lineup of nominees for their 2025 ceremony. This year’s ceremony, marking a historic first in Newcastle, will take place at the Utilita Arena on Tuesday, 18 February. With over two decades of history behind it, the awards continue to honour the finest talents in Black music, film, and culture, offering a spotlight to both established icons and rising stars.

A Showcase of UK’s Finest Talent

British R&B shines this year, and dominating the nominations are R&B powerhouses Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol, each securing three nods, including Best Female Act (sponsored by got2b), Album of the Year, and Best R&B/Soul Act (supported by Kiss FM). Their soulful releases, Falling or Flying and Gold, respectively, are hailed as some of the most impactful records of the year. Similarly, Sampha’s critically acclaimed album Lahai earned him three nominations for Best Male Act, Album of the Year, and Video of the Year for his haunting visual “Only,” directed by Dexter Navy.

Odeal, a force in contemporary R&B, also stands out with nominations for Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Newcomer, and Song of the Year for his track “Soh-Soh.”

A Spotlight on Hip Hop and Drill

UK rap’s heavy hitters have left their mark this year, with Central Cee receiving three nominations. His chart-topping collaboration “BAND4BAND” with Lil Baby is up for Song of the Year, while he’s also in the running for Best Male Act (a title he has won for two consecutive years) and Best Drill Act. Bashy, celebrated for his return to music with the album Being Poor Is Expensive, is shortlisted for Best Male Act, Album of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Act.

Other notable mentions include Potter Payper and Headie One, who go head-to-head in the Best Hip Hop Act category, while K-Trap and 163Margs compete for Best Drill Act.

Photography by Ashley Verse

Celebrating Creativity Beyond Music

The MOBO Awards continue to recognise excellence in film and television. Netflix’s Supacell features prominently, including Best Performance in a TV Show/Film nominations for Josh Tedeku as Tazer, Ghetts for his portrayal of Krazy and Tosin Cole for his role as Michael. EastEnders’ Angela Wynter and Diane Parish are also recognised for their standout performances, alongside Kingsley Ben-Adir for his transformative role as Bob Marley in One Love.

Photography by NJR

Emerging Talent and International Icons

Championing new talent has always been central to MOBO’s mission, and this year’s Best Newcomer Category is packed with potential stars, including viral sensation Jordan Adetunji (part of the MOBO’s UnSung programme) whose track “KEHLANI” has garnered over 275 million streams, and rising vocalist Elmiené. Fellow UnSung alumnus Native James is also nominated for Best Alternative Music Act (sponsored by Marshall).

The Best International Act category features global icons Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Megan Thee Stallion, alongside rising African stars Ayra Starr, Tems, and Tyla, highlighting the diverse and expansive influence of Black music worldwide.

Honouring Black Creativity Across Genres

The MOBOs continue to celebrate diversity within Black music, with categories spanning Best Jazz Act (featuring Yussef Dayes and Ezra Collective), Best Caribbean Music Act (with nominees including Popcaan and Shenseea), and Best Alternative Music Act (where genre-defying artists like Bob Vylan and Native James lead the charge).

A Legacy of Empowerment

Since its inception in 1996, the MOBO Awards have been more than just a ceremony. They are a platform for social change, nurturing emerging talent through initiatives like the MOBO UnSung programme. Founder Kanya King CBE described the nominees as “uncompromising voices” whose music offers reflection, healing, and joy, adding that this year’s nominees embody the rich creativity and diversity of Black music and culture. She notes the pride she feels celebrating their success and the honour it is to continue championing these incredible talents.

Tickets for the event are on sale now. With its vibrant mix of music, film, and culture, the 2025 MOBO Awards promise an unforgettable celebration of talent and artistry.

For more information, visit the official MOBO Awards website.

Angel Oseghale