The MOBO Awards has revealed its list of nominees for the 2025 edition, covering 20 categories. Nigerian artists Asake, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck are among those nominated for the prestigious Music of Black Origin Awards. Notably, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake are nominated for the Best International Act category, alongside global stars like Beyoncé, Glorilla, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Tyla.
In the Best African Music Act category, Asake, Ayra Starr, Bnxn & Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, and Tems join South African artists Tyla and Uncle Waffles as nominees.
This marks the first time the MOBO Awards ceremony will take place in Newcastle, at the Utilita Arena, on Tuesday, February 18.
Here’s a closer look at the full list of 2025 MOBO Awards nominations:
Best Male Act
Bashy
Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
Nemzzz
Sampha
Best Female Act In Association With Got2b
Cleo Sol
Darkoo
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Raye
Album Of The Year
Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
Cleo Sol – Gold
Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose
Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying
Sampha – Lahai
Skrapz – Reflection
Song Of The Year
Central Cee feat. Lil Baby – Band4Band
Chase & Status, Stormzy – Backbone
Darkoo feat. Dess Dior – Favourite Girl
Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani
Leostaytrill – Pink Lemonade
Odeal – Soh-Soh
Best Newcomer
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Myles Smith
Odeal
Pozer
Video Of The Year In Association With LNER
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)
Best R&B/Soul Act Supported By Kiss FM
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Odeal
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Music Act In Association With Marshall
Alt Blk Era
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best Grime Act Supported By Trench
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
Scorcher
Best Hip Hop Act Supported By BBC Radio 1Xtra
Bashy
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best Drill Act
163margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Kairo Keyz
K-Trap
Pozer
Best International Act
Asake
Ayra Starr
Beyoncé
Glorilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film
Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman in Eastenders
Caroline Chikezie as Noma in Power Book II: Ghost
Diane Parish as Denise Fox in Eastenders
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
Best Media Personality
90’s Baby Show
Aj Odudu
Chuckie Online
Craig Mitch
Henrie Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Specs Gonzalez
The Receipts Podcast
Zeze Millz
Best African Music Act In Association With Loco Music
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 Act
Popcaan
Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
Yg Marley
Best Jazz Act
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act Supported By Mixmag
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Shygirl
Tsha
Best Producer
Ceebeaats
Inflo
Juls
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
Best Gospel Act Supported By Premier Gospel
Annatoria
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Yeand
This year’s nominations showcase the diversity and talent from across the globe, with some notable first-time nominees and a rich variety of categories celebrating musical and cultural achievements in the world of Black music.
