The full nominations for the 2025 MOBO Awards have been revealed, with Central Cee, Jorja Smith and Samfa among the names leading with three nods each.
The 27th edition of the annual ceremony, which was established in 1996 and celebrates music of black origin, is set to take place in Newcastle for the first time. It will be held at the city's Utilita Arena on February 18.
In the album of the Year category Bashy (Being poor is expensive), Cleo Sol (Gold), Getz (On purpose, on purpose) Jorja Smith (Falling Or Flying), Sampha (Lachai) and Skrapz (Reflection). The former marks a return to music after 15 years for the London rapper, aka Ashley Williams, having built a successful acting career including his role as Jermaine Newton in hit Netflix series. Top Boy.
Elsewhere, Raye is up for Best Actress and Video of the Year (“Genesis”). Alternative artist Jordan Adetunji, who debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in July with the viral single “Kehlani” peaking at No. 24, gets two nominations for best new singer and song of the year.
In the running for best international act are Asake, Ayra Starr, Beyoncé, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Tems and Tyla.
“Every time we reveal the nominations for the MOBO Awards, I'm blown away by the sheer amount of incredible talent we have in the UK,” MOBO founder Kenya King said in a statement. “It inspires us all to continue to push the industry to include a greater diversity of black music and culture. The music coming out of the UK this past year has been some of the best we've had in years. These distinct, discordant voices are not just soundtracks for our days. They provide healing and reflection, as well as escape in times of need.”
Big winners at the 2024 MOBO Awards, held in Sheffield, were Little Simz, Dave and Stormzy.
Here is the full list of nominees for the 2025 MOBO Awards:
The best male act
Bassy
Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Getz
Nemzzz
Samfa
The best female act
Cleo Sol
Darko
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Archives of Nias
Raye
album of the year
bassy – Being poor is expensive
Cleo Sol – Gold
boots – On purpose, on purpose
Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying
Samfa – Lachai
Skrapz – Reflection
The song of the year
Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – “Band4band”
Chase & Status, Stormzy – “Backbone”
Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – “Dear Girl”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Leostaytrill – “Pink Lemonade”
Odeal – “Soh-soh”
The best newcomer
Chy Cartier
Elmien
Fimiguerero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Antetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Miles Smith
Odeal
Poser
The video of the year
Meekz – “Mini Me's” (Directed by Kc Locke)
Mnelia – “My Man” (Directed by Femi Bello)
Raye – “Genesis” (Directed by Otis Dominique & Raye)
Sampha – “Only” (Directed by Dexter Navy)
Skepta – “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” (Directed by Steveo)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – “Hocus Pocus” (Directed by Felix Brady)
The best R&B/soul act
Cleo Sol
Elmien
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Odeal
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Music Act
ALT BLK ERA
Bob Vylan
Huck Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
The best grime act
Chip
D Double E
Dappy
Cruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
Scorcher
The best hip hop show
Bassy
Crystal
Headie One
Nine
Potter Piper
Skrapz
The best drill
163 Margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Cairo Keyz
K-trap
Poser
The best international action
Asake
Ayra Starr
Beyoncé
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best Performance in a TV Show/Movie
Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman In Lilacs
Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book II: Ghost
Diane Parish as Denise Fox In Lilacs
Dionne Brown as Queenie In Queenie
Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell
Jacob Anderson as Louis In Interview with the Vampire
Jasmine Jobson as Jaq In Top Boy
Josh Tedeku as Tazer In Supacell
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love
Tosin Cole as Michael In Supacell
The best media personality
90s Baby Show
AJ Odudu
Chuckie Online
Craig Mitch
Henrie Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Gonzalez specifications
The Receipts Podcast
Zeze Millz
Best African Music Performance
Asake (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean music
Popcaan
Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Gallant
Yg Marley
The best jazz show
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act
Eliza Rose
Archives of Nias
Pink pantheress
Greeting
Shygirl
Cha
Best producer
Ceebeaats
Info
Juls
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
The best evangelical act
Annatoria
Imran
Limoblaze
Rebla
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-mobo-awards-nominees-list-1235844598/
