Bashy saw success last night, first claiming the title of ‘Best Hip-Hop Act’. Accepting the award, he spoke proudly of the path that took him there, saying “I’m just a regular guy from the ends – I was a busman, postdriver, working in retail”, telling artists not to be ashamed of doing your job to fund your passion.

He later picked up the coveted ‘Album Of The Year’ award, to tremendous applause from the crowd. His winning album, ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ was a critical success, a conscious, thoughtful album diving into themes of race, mental health and community. It came after a long musical hiatus for Bashy, also known as Ashley Thomas, who first graced the grime scene in the 2000’s with memorable tracks like ‘Black Boys’ and ‘Kidulthood 2 Adulthood’. In more recent years his acting career has flourished, starring in series like Top Boy, Black Cake and Them.

He also performed on the evening, as did other acts such as Nova Twins, Krept & Konan and Spice.

Another big winner last night was British-Nigerian artist Darkoo, winning both ‘Best Female Act’ and ‘Song Of The Year’ for her tune ‘Favourite Girl’. She first started buzzing with her 2019 hit ‘Gangsta’ and has since then gathered a following for her afrobeats-hip-hop style. Despite not breaking the UK Singles Charts, ‘Favourite Girl’ racked up tens of millions of streams as well as its remix with Nigerian star Rema. She was previously nominated at the 2020 MOBO’s for two awards.

Also taking a pair of awards home was Odeal, who won ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best R&B/Soul Artist’. He’s picked up a large following for his emotional music fusing emotional lyrics, soulful melodies, ambient R&B textures and African rhythms. His 2024 ‘Lustropolis’ EP increased his profile and received critical acclaim, even featuring a collab with American star Summer Walker.

Central Cee took home the prize for ‘Best Male Act’, making him the first artist to win the award three times. It also ties him with Stormzy as the most decorated rapper in the history of the MOBO’s. Other winners included Scorcher for ‘Best Grime Act’, Pozer for ‘Best Drill Act’, and Ayra Starr for both ‘Best African Music Act’ and ‘Best International Act’.

Founder Kanya King took to the stage to thank the audience. She gave an important speech, detailing her battle with stage four bowl cancer. She told the crowd: “Tonight, as I stand here at the Utilita Arena looking out at this incredible audience, I feel profound gratitude.

“Because there was a time I didn’t think I’d make it to this stage.

“But I have never allowed someone else to define my limits. Not in life. Not in business. And certainly not now.

She continued: “In my cancer journey, I want to educate others. Search ‘check my risk’ or visit the Prostate UK website.”

She founded the MOBO’S in 1996, and it’s been going strong since, taking a brief hiatus in 2017 before returning in 2021, and taking a fallow year in 2023. The MOBOs stand for “Music of Black Origin”, and the awards celebrate a diverse range of homegrown and international genres and artists of black origin, including hip-hop, afrobeat, grime, gospel and more.

Other legacy awards were presented to dancehall king Vybz Kartel, who received the ‘Impact Award’ for his contributions to music, and to Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis, who collected the ‘Paving The Way’ award for her trailblazing success in sports.

The full list of MOBO Awards 2025 winners can be found below. Highlights from the MOBO Awards 2025 will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday (Feb 21) at 11.25pm.

MOBO Awards 2025 Winners List: