The ceremony, which celebrates Black artists across genres like hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and jazz, was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and Love Island’s Indiyah Polack. Central Cee took home the best male act award for the second consecutive year, earning his seventh MOBO trophy and tying with Stormzy as the most-decorated UK rapper in the event’s history. Darkoo, another standout, won best female act and song of the year for her collaboration with Dess Dior, “Favourite Girl.” Ayra Starr made history as the first African female to win best international artist and best African music act in 16 years.
Other winners included Bashy, whose album Being Poor Is Expensive earned best album, and Vybz Kartel, who received the honorary MOBO Impact Award. Ezra Collective secured their third win for best jazz act, while Alt Blk Era and TSHA were recognized for their contributions to the UK’s alternative and dance scenes, winning best alternative and best dance acts, respectively. Performances from artists like Darkoo, Spice, Krept & Konan, and Nova Twins energized the event, which was streamed live on YouTube, with highlights set to air on BBC One on February 21.
The MOBO Awards, established in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell, have long championed Black artists in the UK and beyond. After a brief hiatus from 2018 to 2020 and a fallow year in 2023, the awards continue to expand their reach, celebrating the diversity and influence of Black music across genres. This year’s ceremony marked another milestone, blending powerful performances, historic wins, and a renewed focus on cultural impact.
See the full winners list below.
Best male act
Bashy
WINNER: Central Cee,
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
Nemzzz
Sampha
Best female act
Cleo Sol
WINNER: Darkoo
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Raye
Album of the year
WINNER: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
Cleo Sol – Gold
Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose
Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying
Sampha – Lahai
Skrapz – Reflection
Song of the year
Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – “Band4band”
Chase & Status, Stormzy – “Backbone”
WINNER: Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – “Favourite Girl”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Leostaytrill – “Pink Lemonade”
Odeal – “Soh-soh”
Best newcomer
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Myles Smith
WINNER: Odeal
Pozer
Video of the year
Meekz – “Mini Me’s” (Directed By Kc Locke)
WINNER: Mnelia – “My Man” (Directed By Femi Bello)
Raye – “Genesis” (Directed By Otis Dominique & Raye)
Sampha – “Only” (Directed By Dexter Navy)
Skepta – “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” (Directed By Steveo)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – “Hocus Pocus” (Directed By Felix Brady)
Best R&B/soul act
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
WINNER: Odeal
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best alternative music act
WINNER: ALT BLK ERA
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best grime act
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
WINNER: Scorcher
Best hip hop act
WINNER: Bashy
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best drill act
163Margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Kairo Keyz
K-trap
WINNER: Pozer
Best international act
Asake
WINNER: Ayra Starr
Beyoncé
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best performance in a TV show/film
Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In Eastenders
Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book II: Ghost
Diane Parish As Denise Fox In Eastenders
Dionne Brown As Queenie In Queenie
Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell
WINNER: Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The Vampire
Jasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top Boy
Josh Tedeku As Tazer In Supacell
Kingsley Ben-adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love
Tosin Cole As Michael In Supacell
Best media personality
WINNER: 90’s Baby Show
AJ Odudu
Chuckie Online
Craig Mitch
Henrie Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Specs Gonzalez
The Receipts Podcast
Zeze Millz
Best African music act
Asake (Nigeria)
WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean music act
Popcaan
WINNER: Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
Yg Marley
Best jazz act
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
WINNER: Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best electronic/dance act
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Shygirl
WINNER: Tsha
Best producer
Ceebeaats
Inflo
WINNER: Juls
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
Best gospel act
WINNER: Annatoria
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
