MOBO Awards nominations for 2025
The MOBO Awards have revealed their nominees for 2025, with the ceremony scheduled to be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 18th.
Leading the nominations this year are Jorja Smith, Sampha, Bashi, Ghetts, Cleo Sol, Central C, and Odile, each with three nominations.
Key categories and nominees
Smith and Sampha are highlighted in various categories, notably Best Female Artist and Album of the Year, with Smith’s “Falling Or Flying” and Sampha’s “Gold” garnering significant recognition. Other contenders for Album of the Year include Bashi’s “Being Poor Is Expensive,” Ghetts’ “On Purpose, With Purpose,” Sampha’s “Lahai,” and Skrapz’s “Reflection.” The Best Actress category features nominees such as Little Simz, Darkoo, and Nia Archives, along with Smith, Sampha, and Rae.
In the Best Newcomer category, the spotlight is on promising talents like Chy Cartier, Elmiene, Flowerovlove, Len, Myles Smith, and Pozer, while the Best Alternative Music category encompasses artists like Bob Whelan, Hack Baker, and Spider.
“Each time we announce the nominations for the MOBO Awards, I am struck by the incredible talent present in the UK,” says MOBO founder Kanya King CBE. “This motivates us to advocate for further inclusivity within the industry, embracing a broader spectrum of black music and culture. The music from the UK in the past year has been extraordinary, spanning genres from R&B and soul to grime, hip-hop, jazz, and alternative—these unique voices resonate deeply and offer healing and reflection during challenging times.”
This marks the first time the MOBO Awards will take place in Newcastle, celebrating its 27th anniversary.
Complete list of nominees
Best Male Act
Bashi
Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
N4mzzz
Sampha
Best Female Artist with Got2b
Cleo Sol
Darkoo
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Rae
Album of the Year
Bashi – “It’s Expensive to be Poor”
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 and Status, Stormzy – “Backbone”
Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – “Favorite Girl”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kelani”
Leostaitrill – “Pink Lemonade”
Odile – “So, So”
Best Newcomer
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Flax
Leostaitrill
Myles Smith
Odile
Pozer
Video of the Year in collaboration with LNER
Meekz – “Mini Me’s” (directed by K.S. Locke)
Mnelia – “My Man” (directed by Femi Bello)
Rae – “Genesis” (directed by Otis Dominick and Rae)
Sampha – “Only” (directed by Dexter Navy)
Skepta – “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” (directed by Stiveo)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – “Hocus Pocus” (directed by Felix Brady)
Best R&B/Soul Artist Supported by Kiss FM
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jazz Caris
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Odile
Sasha Keeble
Shae’s Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Artist with Marshall
ALT BLK ERA
Bob Whelan
Hack Baker
Children’s Bookmaker
Native James
Spider
Best Grime Act Sponsored by Trench
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Cruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilary
Scorcher
Best Hip Hop Artist Supported by BBC Radio 1Xtra
Bashi
Crystal
Heady One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best Training Act
163Fields
Central Cee
Heady One
Kairo Keys
K-Trap
Pozer
Best International Act
Asake
Ira Starr
Beyoncé
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tayla
Best Performance in a TV Show/Movie
Angela Winter as Yolanda Truman Easterners
Caroline Chikezie as Noma Book of Power II: Ghost
Diane Parish as Denise Fox Easterners
Dionne Brown as Queenie Queenie
Ghetts as Krazy Supacell
Jacob Anderson as Louis Ying Interview with a Vampire
Jasmine Jobson as Jacques Ying Best Boy
Josh Tedeku as Taser Supacell
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley Bob Marley: One Love
Tosin Cole as Michael Supacell
Best Media Personality
90s Kids Show
AJ Odudu
Chucky Online
Craig Mitch
Henry Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Specs Gonzalez
Podcast “Receipts”
Zeze Mills
Best African Music Act in Association with Loco Music
Asake (Nigeria)
Ira Starr (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvk (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tayla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean Music Act
Popcaan
Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
Ig Marley
Best Jazz Performer
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Laboratory Rhythms
Ego Ella Mae
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Youssef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act Sponsored by Mixmag
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
PinkPantheress
Firework
Shygirl
TSHA
Best Producer
Seabeats
Inflo
July
M1onthebeat
P2J
Sammy Soso
Best Gospel Act Sponsored by Premier Gospel
Annatoria
Imran
Limoblaze
Rebla
Still Shady
Volney Morgan and New Ye
