MOBO Awards announce 2025 nominees including Nia Archives, salute, and more
The ceremony will take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena for the first time next February
Nominees for the 27th edition of the MOBO Awards – the UK’s “biggest celebration of Black music and culture” – have been revealed.
The 2025 ceremony is due to take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18 for the first time, celebrating “established stars and some of the fastest-rising talent in music”.
Leading the nominations at the next edition are Jorja Smith, Sampha, Central Cee, Bashy, Ghetts, and Cleo Sol, who have each received three nominations.
Elsewhere, nominations for the best electronic act – supported by Mixmag and Club BEMA– include Eliza Rose, Nia Archives, PinkPantheress, salute, Shygirl, and TSHA.
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Amongst the artists nominated in the best male and female act categories are Raye, D-Block Europe, Nemzzz, Darkoo, Little Simz, and Bashy, who bagged a nomination after the release of his first album in more than 15 years this summer.
“The music coming out of the UK this past year has been some of the best we have had in years,” says Kanya King CBE, the founder of MOBO.
“These distinct, uncompromising voices – across different genres from R&B and Soul to grime, hip hop to jazz and alternative – are not just soundtracks for our days. They provide healing and reflection, and also escapism in times of need.”
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Nominations for album of the year include Cleo Sol’s ‘Gold’, Sampha’s ‘Lahai’, Skrapz’ ‘Reflection’, Bashy’s ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’, Jorja Smith’s ‘Falling Or Flying’, and Ghetts’ ‘on Purpose, With Purpose’.
“A huge congratulations to all our nominees across music, film and television, and entertainment,” King said. “We look forward to welcoming you in Newcastle!”
Grab your tickets to the MOBO Awards 2025 here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter