Central Cee, Darkoo, and Bashy emerged as prominent victors at the current year’s MOBO Awards.
The event unfolded in Newcastle this evening, featuring performances from Krept & Konan, Bashy, Spice, and the Nova Twins.
Central Cee was honored as the best male act, while Darkoo received the title of best female act and additionally won the MOBOs‘ song of the year accolade for “Favourite Girl,” which features Dess Dior.
Absent from the award ceremony, Central Cee now stands as the joint most-awarded rapper in the history of the MOBOs, sharing the record with Stormzy, each having received seven awards.
Darkoo was one of the performers of the evening. Pic: PA
Bashy’s album, Being Poor Is Expensive, was awarded the title of best album, and he was also recognized as the best hip-hop act.
A distinguished award was presented to athlete Denise Lewis, who claimed the “paving the way” accolade, acknowledging trailblazers across various sectors including sports, media, entertainment, and music.
Bashy on the red carpet. Pic: PA
Dame Denise Lewis accepting the paving the way award. Pic: PA
She joins the ranks of prior recipients such as Idris Elba, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams, and the late Jamal Edwards.
Also recognized was “king of dancehall” Vybz Kartel, who received the MOBOs impact award.
“The MOBO Awards have consistently aimed to acknowledge and honor cultural trailblazers who have transformed the music landscape and beyond,” remarked MOBOs founder Kanya King prior to the event.
“Denise Lewis is a remarkable inspiration, and it is a genuine delight to honor such an iconic figure. Few individuals have had a more significant impact in their field within this nation.”
She further emphasized that Vybz Kartel’s contribution to music is “immeasurable,” with his influence reaching “far beyond the realm of dancehall, where he stands as a musical titan.”
Punk rock duo Nova Twins were among the performers. Pic: PA
Odeal earned recognition as best newcomer and also won the award for best R&B/soul act, while Ayra Starr made history by winning two accolades. The Nigerian artist became the first African woman to receive the title of best international act and the first female to win best African music act in 16 years.
Other awards for various genres included the title of best jazz act given to 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, best grime act awarded to Scorcher, best drill act to Pozer, best electronic/dance act to TSHA, best gospel act to Annatoria, best Caribbean music act to Shenseea, and best alternative music act to ALT BLK ERA.
Scorcher receiving his award. Pic: PA
In other categories, Juls was honored as the best producer, the 90s Baby Show took home the media personality award, video of the year was awarded to Mnelia’s “My Man,” and actor-musician Jacob Anderson was acknowledged in the best TV/film performance segment for his portrayal in Interview With The Vampire.
Central Cee, Raye, and Dave were among last year’s standout winners, with Soul II Soul, Sugababes, and Ghetts receiving distinct achievement honors.
The MOBOs celebrate black music in the UK and around the world and are set to commemorate their 30th anniversary in 2026.
In December, King disclosed that she had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, yet affirmed her intention to continue leading the organization.
