MOBO Awards is proud to welcome its hosts for 2025 ceremony, the sensational duo Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack. Coming to you live from Utilita Arena Newcastle on 18 February 2025, this will be a night to remember as the UK’s biggest and most prestigious celebration of Black music and culture rolls out its red carpet for the very first time in Newcastle.
Plus, global dancehall queen Spice, UK rap duo Krept and Konan, and the multi-talented Bashy are the first wave of performers confirmed for the ceremony – with more stars to be announced soon. Tickets are available at mobo.com/tickets.
The 2025 MOBO Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm GMT on 18 February, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast special airing on 21 February.
A true master of entertainment and one of the UK’s most prominent comedians, Eddie Kadi is a multi-hyphenate comedian known for his unique brand of humour that references his heritage and cultural observations. He is a passionate advocate for African music, hosting The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra every week and has also toured as a host with the likes of Wizkid, Lauryn Hill and Burna Boy. He took on his first MOBO role at the 2021 Awards in Coventry as a roaming host accompanying Munya Chawawa and Leigh-Anne Pinnock. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the UK’s fastest rising TV stars, with an extensive list of credits including his time as a beloved contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. He has since achieved prestigious earning nominations including ‘Best Breakthrough Award’ at the Royal Television Society and ‘Best Breakthrough Presenter’ at the Edinburgh TV Awards. Eddie’s charisma and infectious love for music make him the perfect choice to help celebrate the very best in Black music and culture.
Indiyah Polack returns for her second year to co-host the MOBO Awards. After making her mark as a standout star of Love Island Series 8 in 2022, Indiyah continues to flourish in the entertainment industry. In the past year, the ‘it girl’ joined Capital Xtra as a presenter. She appears as a panellist on the last two seasons of Love Island Aftersun, alongside Sam Thompson and Maya Jama, and additionally hosts the popular Love Island podcast, The Morning After. Whether on-screen or off, she has proven her natural flair for connecting with audiences. Following her dazzling debut as a MOBO Awards host last year in Sheffield, Indiyah is set to bring her charm and energy to the stage once again for one of the UK’s biggest nights in music.
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 dancehall 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.”
BBC One will air an exclusive behind-the-scenes special on Friday 21 February, offering viewers a unique, access-all-areas experience of one of the year’s most highly anticipated award ceremonies. Packed with backstage access, exclusive performances, and no holds barred interviews with some of the biggest names in the music industry, this special takes audiences on a journey through the heart of the event. Hosted by the legendary BBC 1Xtra presenter DJ Target, the show promises an insider’s perspective, providing viewers with an up-close look at the moments behind the glitz and glamour of the ceremony.
DJ Target, renowned for his impact on the UK music scene particularly around the birth of Grime music, and his extensive career as a DJ, producer and broadcaster, will guide audiences through the exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. Known for his authenticity and unmatched passion for music, Target has long been a fixture on the airwaves and in the industry. His unparalleled access to the stars of the show ensures an intimate look at the preparation and excitement that surrounds the event. Viewers can expect to see candid moments with the stars, backstage chats, and the incredible energy that fuels one of the most glamorous nights in the UK music calendar.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated Awards night, The MOBO Fringe will take place in locations across Newcastle from Thursday 13 February to Monday 17 February, 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
MOBO is delighted to announce Greggs as the Official Food Partner for the 2025 MOBO Awards. Founded in Newcastle in 1939 by John Gregg, Greggs has grown to become a much-loved British brand with over 2,600 shops across the UK. Fuelling our artists and teams backstage with tasty items across Greggs’ menu, they will bring their iconic food truck backstage at the Awards Show and the VIP Aftershow Party. Like MOBO, Greggs is deeply committed to supporting communities. Working together through their grant-giving organisation, Greggs Foundation, they aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in the communities where they operate.
Roisin Currie, chief executive at Greggs said: “Our partnership with the MOBO Awards reflects our commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and culture across our business. As a proud Newcastle-based brand, we see this as a key cultural moment to shine a spotlight on the city’s vibrant energy and its growing reputation as a hub for creativity, in addition to reinforcing our dedication to create meaningful connections with communities through shared moments of celebration and joy.”
The MOBO Award 2025 nominees fall across over 20 categories and this year, the British R&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&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 in 2025. 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.
Both 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.
The MOBO Awards 2025 proudly celebrates its partners. Marshall, the renowned amplifier company, returns for a third year as the sponsor of Best Alternative Act. Loco Music, a Cape Verdean music company, continues its support by sponsoring the Best African Music Act category. New this year, got2b joins as the Official Hair Styling Partner and sponsor of the hotly contested Best Female Act category. LNER (London North Eastern Railway) also comes on board as the Official Travel Partner and sponsor of the Video of the Year category. Additionally, Prostate Cancer UK takes on the role of Official Charity Partner and sponsor of the Best Male category, driving awareness for an important cause.
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.
