The stage is set! Global dancehall queen Spice, UK rap kings Krept and Konan and the multi-talented Bashy are the first wave of performers announced to ignite the stage at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
For the first time ever, the MOBO Awards bring the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture to the North East, live from Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18th February. This first wave of performers is only a glimpse of the unforgettable moments in store for the MOBO Awards’ most electrifying year yet. Tickets are available at mobo.com/tickets.
Jamaican musician Spice, aka the queen of dancehall, will be bringing her vibrant flair to the MOBO Awards stage. Nominated for the Best Caribbean Music Act this year, Spice’s outstanding legacy speaks for itself. The singer earned an iTunes top 10 debut album ranking in 2024, charting highly across Canada and Jamaica, with the release of her fearless new album, Mirror 25. The singer will bring a showstopping mix of the very best of dancehall to Newcastle.
British artist and rapper Bashy is also set to perform, following his highly anticipated return to music last year with the release of a brand new studio album – the acclaimed Being Poor is Expensive – his first in 15 years. The musician is known for his multi-hyphenate talent and has been nominated for 3 MOBO awards: Album of the Year, Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK and Best Hip-hop Act – and his performance is set to be a highlight of the night.
British hip hop duo Krept and Konan are long-time MOBO Awards alumni. The London borough rappers have stood as leading faces of the UK rap scene for over a decade — the pair were recognised as Best Newcomers by MOBO in 2013 and, later, awarded Best Hip Hop Act in 2015. Now, returning back to the MOBO Awards stage, Krept and Konan will deliver an unforgettable performance, exclusively for MOBO.
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “We’re thrilled to announce the first wave of performers for the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle. Each of these artists brings something truly special to the stage, and this is just the beginning. From the vibrant energy of dancehall to the dynamic sounds of UK rap and R&B, we’re curating a night full of unforgettable moments. This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most electrifying yet, and we can’t wait to reveal more incredible talent as we count down to February 18. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!”
Last month, the MOBO Awards proudly announced the nominees across 20 categories for their 2025 edition. This year’s nominations spotlight the incredible breadth of talent across music, TV, and film. The British R&B scene takes center stage, with triple nominees Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol leading the charge in categories like Album of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Act supported by Kiss FM. Central Cee, Ghetts, Sampha and Odeal join them with three nominations each, reflecting the unparalleled creativity driving the UK’s music scene.
Beyond music, the MOBO Awards continue to honour excellence in film and TV, with Netflix’s hit series Supacell and stars from BBC’s EastEnders earning nominations in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category. These nods highlight the richness of diverse storytelling and the exceptional talent shaping today’s entertainment industry.
Today MOBO can also proudly announce that Prostate Cancer UK is the official Charity Partner of the 2025 MOBO Awards, and sponsor of the Best Male Act category. 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, that’s double the risk of other men. But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. By partnering with MOBO, Prostate Cancer UK continues to raise vital awareness of the most common cancer in men and help more Black men get a lifesaving earlier diagnosis. For more details, visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org .
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “Cancer is something that has personally impacted my life, making this partnership with Prostate Cancer UK deeply meaningful. At MOBO, we’ve always strived to use our platform to inspire change and address issues affecting our community. With 1 in 4 Black men at risk of prostate cancer, this collaboration is an opportunity to amplify a lifesaving message, challenge health inequalities, and encourage more men to seek early diagnosis. Together, we can create awareness and save lives.”
The 2025 MOBO Awards proudly celebrates its partners. Marshall, the renowned amplifier company, returns for a third year as the sponsor of Best Alternative Music Act. Loco Music, a Cape Verdean music company, once again sponsors the Best African Music Act category. New for this year, got2b joins as the Official Hair Styling Partner and sponsor of the hotly contested Best Female Act category and LNER will be transporting you to the awards in style as the Official Travel Partner. The train operator is also sponsoring the Video of the Year category.
This announcement also comes as part of the broader celebration surrounding the MOBO Awards, with the recently unveiled MOBO Fringe Festival program adding to the excitement. Running from February 13 to February 17, the five-day festival will showcase a spectacular range of events across Newcastle, celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing the city’s creative spirit. From intimate performances to community workshops, the MOBO Fringe offers something for everyone in the lead-up to the UK’s biggest night in Black music and culture. To find out more, please visit mobo.com/fringe.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES HERE
Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the UK and its iconic trophy is now one of the highest accolades in music. The Awards have honoured music stars such as Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and Jay Z, while also helping to elevate the careers of rising stars in the industry.
The impact of the MOBO Group extends far beyond the annual awards show. MOBO is deeply committed to promoting social change and inclusion, supporting the development of young talent, and advocating for diversity across the entertainment industry and beyond. Through mentorship programmes, partnerships with educational and charitable organisations, and career development opportunities with leading organisations, MOBO has been a driving force for positive change.
By championing creativity, providing platforms for new voices, and advocating for equality, the MOBO Awards and the wider MOBO Group continue to inspire and empower talents and communities across the UK and beyond.
