AFRICAN MUSIC TRIUMPHS AT THE 2025 MOBO AWARDS AS AYRA STARR MAKES HISTORY

The 2025 MOBO Awards, held on February 18 at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, was a night of cultural celebration, historic victories, and groundbreaking achievements. The prestigious event honored outstanding talent in music of Black origin, spotlighting both established and emerging stars across various genres. This year’s edition not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed the undeniable influence of African music on the global stage. From jaw-dropping performances to show-stopping fashion and heartfelt speeches, the night was nothing short of spectacular.

For nearly three decades, the MOBO Awards, founded by Kanya King in 1996, have played a crucial role in recognizing artists across hip-hop, R&B, reggae, gospel, jazz, and Afrobeats. Over the years, the awards have provided a platform for Black artists, amplifying their voices and celebrating their contributions to music. The 2025 edition, hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and media personality Indiyah Polack, proved to be one of the most momentous yet, with record-breaking wins, unforgettable performances, and historic firsts that set the stage for the future of Black music.

The evening was filled with memorable moments, including a very emotional one with Kanya King. Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in September 2024, King shared her journey and emphasized the importance of early detection and proactive health management. Her resilience and dedication to the organization she founded were evident as she addressed the audience, turning her personal battle into a powerful message of hope and awareness.

The night belonged to some of the biggest names in the industry. Central Cee continued his impressive run, winning Best Male Act for the second consecutive year and the third time overall, bringing his total MOBO wins to seven, tying him with Stormzy as the most-decorated rapper in MOBO history. His win was a testament to his consistency and impact on the UK rap scene, with his outstanding debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, dominating airwaves and streaming charts. Bashy had a triumphant night, claiming Album of the Year for Being Poor Is Expensive, a deeply personal and socially conscious project that resonated with audiences for its raw storytelling. He also secured the Best Hip-Hop Act award, proving his staying power in the industry. In terms of music production, Ghanaian-British producer, Juls, bagged the award for Best Producer, wresting the award from other outstanding nominees like JAE5 and P2J. The dancehall legend from Jamaica, Vybz Kartel, took home the honorary MOBO Impact award, for of course, being such a game changer.

Nigerian music had one of its most defining nights at the MOBOs, with multiple nominations and wins that reinforced its status as a global powerhouse. Nigerian-British Darkoo had a career-defining night, winning Best Female Act and Song of the Year for Favourite Girl featuring Dess Dior, a song that took over TikTok and streaming platforms with its infectious hook and Afrobeats-infused production. Odeal, the Nigerian-German rising star, claimed Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act, a well-deserved recognition of his genre-defying artistry that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Brent Faiyaz.

Nigerian artists dominated the Best African Music Act category, with Asake, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, and Tems representing the country alongside Ghana’s King Promise and South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles. The competition was fierce, but it was Ayra Starr who emerged victorious, making history as the first woman in 16 years to win the category. Beyond this, she also took home the award for Best International Act, an award she was nominated for alongside Asake and Tems as well as global heavyweights like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj–an amazing win indeed!

Ayra Starr’s win marked a turning point in Afrobeats’ global rise. In her emotional acceptance speech, she shared her excitement and gratitude, saying, “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award–make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.” She went on to thank her team at MAVINS Records, her fans, and her mother, who has been a constant source of encouragement. Her win is not just a personal milestone but a significant step for female representation in African and Nigerian music, paving the way for more women to take center stage in the global Afrobeats movement.

The MOBOs are known not just for the awards but for their spectacular performances, and this year was no exception. The stage saw electrifying sets from several artists, showcasing the musical prowess of African artists. The Nova Twins ignited the stage with their high-octane performance, blending punk rock with electronic elements. Their set was a testament to their genre-defying sound, captivating the audience with powerful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. Krept & Konan, the renowned rap duo, also delivered a compelling performance that showcased their lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence. Their seamless flow and engaging delivery resonated with fans, reaffirming their status in the UK rap scene. Odeal graced the stage with a soulful rendition of his hit song, Soh Soh. His smooth vocals and emotive delivery created an intimate atmosphere, highlighting his rising prominence in the R&B genre. Darkoo also turned up on stage, delivering an energetic performance of Favorite Girl and Focus On Me, that had the crowd properly feeling the vibe. Her charismatic stage presence and catchy melodies underscored her impact on the Afrobeats scene. Bashy, captivated the audience with a performance that combined raw lyricism with engaging storytelling. His set was a reflection of his artistic depth and connection to real-life experiences. 

DJ AG, accompanied by Pozer and LeoStayTrill, brought a vibrant energy to the event with a set that blended various genres, showcasing the versatility and creativity within Black music. Their collaboration highlighted the synergy between DJs and artists in creating memorable musical experiences. Spice also showed up and she had the the place turnt all the way up with her performance of her hit songs, Hell No and So Me Like It.

The red carpet was a dazzling showcase of bold fashion statements, with artists making their mark in style. Ayra Starr stunned in a peach sequin gown and monochrome fur drape, a testament to her elegant and chic style. Indiyah Polack turned heads in a striking, skintight black dress, while Bashy made a statement with a custom coat and pants ensemble reflecting the streetwear aesthetic of the UK. 

The 2025 MOBO Awards was more than just an awards ceremony–it was a declaration of African music’s dominance and the unstoppable force of Black artistry. The night showcased the undeniable influence of artists across different genres, proving that Black music is not just thriving but leading the global cultural landscape. Ayra Starr’s historic win signaled a new era for African women in music, and the presence of artists like Asake, Rema, and Tems in major international categories underscored the growing acceptance and demand for Afrobeats worldwide.

As the world continues to embrace the sounds of Africa, the MOBO Awards 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in the genre’s global conquest. This was the night the world stood up and acknowledged that African artists are no longer just participants in the industry–they are at the forefront, shaping the sound of the future. With each passing year, the MOBOs continue to amplify Black music, and as history has shown, this is only the beginning.

COMPLETE LIST OF ALL WINNERS AT THE 2025 MOBO AWARDS

Best male act: Central Cee

Best female act: Darkoo

Best newcomer: Odeal

Album of the year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

Song of the year: Darkoo – Favourite Girl (ft Dess Dior)

Video of the year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)

Best hip-hop act: Bashy

Best grime act: Scorcher

Best drill act: Pozer

Best R&B/soul act: 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: Tsha

Best gospel act: Annatoria

Best jazz act: Ezra Collective

Best producer: Juls

Best Caribbean music act: Shenseea

Best alternative music act: Alt Blk Era

Best international act: Ayra Starr

MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis

MOBO Impact award: Vybz Kartel