Central Cee, Darkoo and Bashy are among the big winners at this year’s MOBO Awards.
The ceremony took place in Newcastle this evening, with Krept & Konan, Bashy, Spice, and Nova Twins among the performers.
Central Cee was named best male act, while Darkoo was named best female and picked up the MOBOs‘ song of the year award for Favourite Girl, featuring Dess Dior.
Central Cee – who wasn’t at the ceremony to accept his accolade – is now the joint most-decorated rapper in MOBOs history, tied with Stormzy on seven awards.
Darkoo was one of the performers of the night. Pic: PA
Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive was crowned the best album winner, and the actor and rapper was also named best hip-hop act.
A special gong was handed out to athlete Denise Lewis, who took home the “paving the way” prize, recognising trailblazers across different industries including sports, media and entertainment, as well as music.
Bashy on the red carpet. Pic: PA
Dame Denise Lewis collecting the paving the way award. Pic: PA
She follows previous winners such as Idris Elba, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams, and the late Jamal Edwards.
“King of dancehall” Vybz Kartel was also honoured with the MOBOs impact award.
“The MOBO Awards have always been about recognising and celebrating cultural pioneers who have reshaped the landscape of music and beyond,” said MOBOs founder Kanya King ahead of the ceremony.
“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.”
She went on to say that Vybz Kartel’s impact on music was “immeasurable”, with an influence extending “beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant”.
Punk rock duo Nova Twins were among the performers. Pic: PA
Odeal was named best newcomer and also took the best R&B/soul act prize, while Ayra Starr made history with her two gongs. The Nigerian singer became the first African woman to win best international act and the first female winner of best African music act in 16 years.
Other genre category awards included best jazz act for 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, best grime act for Scorcher, best drill act for Pozer, best electronic/dance act for TSHA, best gospel for Annatoria, best Caribbean music act for Shenseea, and best alternative music act for ALT BLK ERA.
Scorcher accepting his accolade. Pic: PA
Elsewhere, Juls was named best producer, 90s Baby Show won the media personality prize, video of the year went to Mnelia’s My Man, and actor and musician Jacob Anderson was recognised in the best TV/film performance category, for his role in the series Interview With The Vampire.
Central Cee, Raye, and Dave were among the big winners last year, with Soul II Soul, Sugababes and Ghetts receiving special achievement prizes.
The MOBOs celebrate black music in the UK and internationally and will mark their 30th anniversary in 2026.
In December, King revealed she had been diagnosed with stage four cancer but said she would continue to lead the organisation.