MOBO AWARDS 2025 SPECIAL HONOURS ANNOUNCED: Tomorrow night’s 2025 MOBO Awards is delivering yet another unmissable cultural moment as two extraordinary figures are honoured for their contributions to music and sport.
Further to a sizzling performers line-up with the hottest names shaking the culture across R&B, Hip Hop,Dancehall, Alternative, and beyond; the UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture upholds its proud tradition of ‘giving flowers’ to trailblazers that continue to inspire a generation.
In a historic MOBO moment, Vybz Kartel, one of the most influential and electrifying forces in dancehall, will receive the MOBO Impact Award. For the first time in over a decade, Kartel will set foot on UK soil, making this an event the world will be watching. His presence at the 2025 MOBO Awards marks a defining chapter in a career that has shaped modern music.
British sports icon Dame Denise Lewis DBE is receiving MOBO’s Paving The Way Award. She joins a rich history of trailblazers across different spheres from music, sports, media and entertainment who have been recognised for breaking barriers in their field. Past honourees include Idris Elba OBE, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams OBE, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE and Jamal Edwards MBE.
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE said: “The MOBO Awards have always been about recognising and celebrating cultural pioneers who have reshaped the landscape of music and beyond. Denise Lewis is a true inspiration and it’s an absolute pleasure to honour such a legendary figure. Few people have contributed more to their field in this country. Vybz Kartel’s impact on music is immeasurable. His influence extends beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant. Honouring these two pioneers on the MOBO stage inNewcastle will be a historic and unforgettable moment you don’t want to miss.”
For over two decades, Vybz Kartel has revolutionised dancehall, shaping the sound of a generation with anthems like ‘Clarks’,‘Romping Shop’, and ‘Fever’. Born and raised in Waterford, Jamaica, Kartel burst onto the scene in 2003 with his debut album Up 2 Di Time. Since then, his groundbreaking artistry has transcended borders, earning him collaborations with Rihanna, Missy Elliott, and Major Lazer, while his most recent project Party With Me has secured a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. This month, he secured his 10th appearance on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with the release of a 10-year anniversary special of his album Viking. Kartel’s cultural dominance remains undeniable, with his music continuing to inspire a new wave of artists. This is not to forget his recent sold out Freedom Street concert at Jamaica’s National stadium.
Dame Denise Lewis DBE is one of the most decorated British athletes of all time. The Wolverhampton-raised star first competed at the heptathlon in 1989 and within five years was named the Commonwealth Champion after winning gold inCanada. Her first Olympics was in Atlanta in 1996, when she picked up a bronze medal. She was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and has twice been runner-up in BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Lewis was honoured as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2000 New Year Honours and was honoured with a Damehood at the end of 2023. A champion across the board, Dame Denise Lewis has redefined excellence in athletics and culture, inspiring generations with her achievements. She has not only broken records but also barriers, becoming a leading voice in sports broadcasting. As President of UK Athletics, Lewis continues to shape the future of British Sport. With her upcoming self-empowerment book Adaptability is set for release on 13 March 2025, her impact extends far beyond the track.
This year’s MOBO Awards, hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8.00PM GMT tomorrow night (18 February).
The night will feature unmissable performances by Spice, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Darkoo, Nova Twins, Bashy, DJ AG (with Pozer and LeoStayTrill), plus a special celebration of UK R&B by DJ Ace, Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shae Universe and Shola Ama.
Limited tickets are still available for the Awards in Newcastle, visit mobo.com/tickets.
An exclusive BBC One broadcast special, MOBO Awards 2025: Access All Areas, hosted by DJ Target, airs on 21February at 11.25pm.
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/SoulAct supported by KISS. 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 East Enders 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.
Recently, MOBO announced its MOBO UnSung Class of 2025, a handpicked selection of 10 of the UK’s most exciting new artists, set to receive career-changing opportunities as part of one of the country’s leading talent development programmes. This year’s artists are Caleb Kunle, Morgan Munroe, Keedz, Flintz, Mar!k, Tofunmi Adorna, Siobhan Élouise, VALNTNA, Brokenpen and Gia Gray.
Ahead of tomorrow night’s star-studded show, the MOBO Fringe Festival program has been showcasing a spectacular range of events in a five-day festival across Newcastle, celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing the city’s creative spirit. The program ranges from industry summits, live performances to community workshops. To find out more, please visit mobo.com/fringe.
The 2025 MOBO Awards proudly celebrates its partners. Marshall, the renowned amplifier company, returns for a third year as the sponsor of Best Alternative Act. New this year, got2b joins as theOfficial Hair Styling Partner and sponsor of the hotly contested Best FemaleAct category. LNER (London North Eastern Railway) also comes on board as the Official Travel Partner and sponsor of the Video of the Year category. Newcastle-founded Greggs is the Official Food Partner for the 2025 MOBO Awards and will fuel artists and teams backstage with menu favourites and bring their iconic food truck to the Awards Show and VIP Aftershow Party. Additionally, Prostate Cancer UK takes on the role ofOfficial Charity Partner and sponsor of the Best Male category, driving awareness for an important cause.
Since its inaugural ceremony in1996 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, JanetJackson, 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.
