Bashy, Ayra Starr, Odeal, Central Cee, Darkoo, Pozer and Ezra ...

Bashy, Ayra Starr, Darkoo and Odeal have each won two awards at the MOBOs 2025 – the 27th edition of the ceremony.

Hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, the MOBOs was staged at Utilita Arena Newcastle (February 18). It was livestreamed to a global audience via YouTube. 

The night featured performances by Spice, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Darkoo, Nova Twins, Bashy, DJ AG (with Pozer and LeoStayTrill), plus a special celebration of UK R&B by DJ Ace, Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shae Universe and Shola Ama. 

Bashy won the MOBO Album Of The Year trophy for his first record in 15 years, Being Poor Is Expensive, as well as Best Hip-Hop Act.

Ayra Starr also scored a double win – Best International Act (the first African female artist to win this category) and Best African Music Act (the first female artist to win this in 16 years).

Darkoo’s victories were for Best Female Act and Song of The Year for Favourite Girl Feat. Dess Dior. 

Odeal was named Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act.

Central Cee claimed his seventh MOBO win. The UK rap star, who recently hit No.1 with Can’t Rush Greatness, was named Best Male Act for the second consecutive year. He now ties with Stormzy as the most decorated rappers in MOBO history.

Newcomers Alt Blk Era won Best Alternative Act, while BRITs nominees Ezra Collective were named Best Jazz Act. There was also awards for grime (Scorcher) and drill (Pozer).

An exclusive BBC One broadcast special, MOBO Awards 2025: Access All Areas, hosted by DJ Target, airs on February 21 at 11.25pm.

MOBO AWARDS 2025 - WINNERS LIST

Best Male Act in Association with Prostate Cancer UK - Central Cee 

Best Female Act in association with got2b - Darkoo

Best Newcomer in association with YouTube - Odeal 

Album of The Year - Bashy - Being Poor Is Expensive 

Song of The Year - Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior - Favourite Girl 

Video of The Year in association with LNER - Mnelia - My Man (Directed by Femi Bello) 

Best Hip Hop Act supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra - Bashy 

Best Grime Act supported by Trench - Scorcher 

Best Drill Act - Pozer 

Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS - Odeal 

Best Media Personality - 90s baby show 

Best African Music Act - Ayra Starr 

Best Performance In A TV Show/Film - Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With The Vampire 

Best Electronic/Dance Music Act supported by BEMA & Mixmag - Tsha

Best Gospel Act supported by Premier Gospel - Annatoria 

Best Jazz Act - Ezra Collective 

Best Producer - Juls 

Best Caribbean Music Act - Shenseea 

Best Alternative Music Act in association with Marshall - Alt Blk Era

Best International Act - Ayra Starr 

Special Honours:

MOBO Paving The Way Award - Denise Lewis DBE

MOBO Impact Award - Vybz Kartel 

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