‘Energy at the MOBOs will be electric’

By Sarah Tetteh

When it comes to representing young and successful Londoners, it doesn’t get much better than the
line-up for this year’s MOBO Awards.
You’ve seen them on top TV shows BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and ITV’s Love Island, and now sensational duo Eddie Kadiand and Indiyah Polack have been announced as the hosts of the MOBO Awards on February 18.
Prostate Cancer UK has been announced as the official charity sponsor, such an incredible cause.
This will be a night to remember as the UK’s biggest and most prestigious celebration black music and culture rolls out its red carpet for the very first time in Newcastle.
It’s going to be wall to wall with musicians and entrepreneurs – step forward South London stars Krept and Konan, who, as well as setting the charts on fire, are launching their own supermarket chain in South London. More to come on that soon!
Plus, global dance hall queen Spice, and the multi-talented Bashy are the first wave of performers confirmed for the ceremony – with more stars to be announced soon.
Eddie Kadi said: “The MOBO Awards is a big part of British music culture and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this year’s ceremony with Indiyah.
“There are so many incredible artists nominated and the show is going to reflect the incredible range of the MOBO Awards – from hip-hop to dance hall and more surprises to come!
Watch this space. We can’t wait to bring the party to Newcastle where we know the energy is going to be electric!”
Indiyah Polack said: “I’m so excited to be back co-hosting the MOBO Awards for the second year. We’re going to bring a show like no other before to Newcastle, celebrating the richness of black music and culture. You can expect some incredible red carpet looks, amazing live performances and of course, great vibes from Eddie and I.”
The 2025 MOBO Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm GMT on February 18 from the Utility Arena, Newcastle, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast special on February 21.
Tickets are available at mobo.com/tickets.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated awards night, The MOBO Fringe will take place in locations across Newcastle from Thursday, February 13 to February 17, combining live performances, workshops, industry summits, and community-led initiatives to leave a lasting legacy for the region. For more information, visit mobo.com/fringe

The nominees
The MOBO Award 2025 nominees fall across over 20 categories and this year, the British R’n’B scene shines brightly, with triple MOBO nominees Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol leading the charge. This year, got2b is the official sponsor of the hotly-contested Best Female Act category, as well as the MOBO Awards’ Official Hair Styling Partner, and both stars are nominated in the category, and for Album of The Year and Best R&B/Soul Act supported by Kiss FM.
Sampha topped the UK R’n’B charts with his second album, Lahai, and is nominated by MOBO for Best Male Act and Album of The Year and his music video Only, directed by Dexter Navy, has been shortlisted for Video of the Year in Association with LNER.
Also nominated for three awards each are Central Cee, Bashy, Ghetts and Odeal. Central Cee now attracts more than 25 million monthly streams, and 2024 saw the release of singles including BAND4BAND featuring Lil Baby, which receives a Song of the Year nomination. A debut studio album, Can’t Rush Greatness, is due this year. Having won Best Male Act for the last two years, he is nominated once again, as well as being up for Best Drill Act.
While rooted in music, the
MOBO Awards also spotlight cultural contributions.
This year, Netflix’s hit series Supacell sees Best Performance In a TV Show/Film nominations for Ghetts for his role as Krazy, as well as for Josh Tedeku, who plays Tazer, and Tosin Cole as Michael.
EastEnders picks up nominations in the same category for Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman and Diane Parish as Denise Fox.
These nominations showcase the breadth of diverse talent across TV and film, highlighting the richness of creative storytelling and the depth and diversity of talent shaping today’s TV and film industry.
Having built a successful acting career, including his role as Jermaine Newton in Top Boy, Ashley Thomas, aka Bashy, returned to music with his first studio album in 15 years. The record, Being Poor Is Expensive, is an intimate look back at his childhood and earns him nominations for Best Male Act, Best Hip-Hop Act and Album of The Year.
After a stunning year in her career, RAYE is nominated twice and has a chance of a second win in a row in Best Female Act in association with got2b.
At the heart of MOBO’s mission is championing emerging talent. This year, MOBO UnSung alumni Jordan Adetunji, who has had a big year with his track KEHLANI clocking up more than 275 million streams after going viral on TikTok, picks up two nominations for Best Newcomer and Song of The Year. MOBO UnSung Top 20 finalist, Native James, is shortlisted for Best Alternative Music Act in association with Marshall, reflecting the UnSung programme’s enduring impact on the industry.
The MOBO Awards celebrate the most exciting artists in the world today in categories including Best Caribbean Music, as well as Best Jazz Act and Best Gospel Act supported by Premier Gospel.
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, are among the nominees for Best International Act but the year has been notable for the rise of a number of female African stars, with Ayra Starr, Tems and Tyla all nominated in both Best African Music Act in Association with Loco Music and the Best International Act category.
London Love Islanders Olivia and Marcel are just a few of the celebrities heading straight from this year’s villa in South Africa to London’s Ivy Collection to keep that romance alive ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The Traitors stars have been heading there too, as well as stars of Strictly Come Dancing enjoying a fab meal after wowing on the dancefloor.
And I can see why!

Pictured top: Londoners Eddie and Indiyah will host this year’s Mobo Awards
Picture: Donnie Sunshine for MOBO