At the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle, UK, Afrobeat artist Ayra Starr achieved a historic double win, earning the prestigious awards for Best International Act and Best African Music Act.

Her achievement in the ‘Best International Act’ category is particularly significant, as she is the first African female artist to earn this accolade. 

Additionally, her win in the ‘Best African Music Act’ category is noteworthy, as she is the first female recipient in 16 years.

Known for her distinctive sound that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, Ayra Starr has captivated audiences worldwide. 

The event was presented by comedian Eddie Kadi alongside Love Island personality Indiyah Polack, and it was streamed live on YouTube.

This evening has been filled with excitement and notable achievements. The 2025 MOBO Awards also recognised other talented artists, including:

Bashy took home the prestigious album of the year award for his work, Being Poor is Expensive. At 40 years old, he also secured the title of best hip-hop act after a 15-year break from his music career. 

Central Cee secured the best male act award for the second consecutive year, marking his seventh MOBO trophy overall. This achievement places him on par with Stormzy as the most awarded UK rapper in the history of the Awards.

Arya Starr made her mark as the first African woman to win the best international act award, as well as being the first woman to receive the best African music act recognition in 16 years. 

British-Nigerian Afrobeats artist Darkoo triumphed in the best female act category, marking her first MOBO Award at the age of 23. She also took the stage at the event, performing alongside artists such as Spice, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Nova Twins, Bashy, and others.

Odeal also had a remarkable evening, claiming two awards: best newcomer and best R&B/soul act. 

Additionally, a surprise special honours award was presented to Kanya King, the founder of the Mobo Awards.

See the full winners of the MOBO Awards 2025 below.

Best Male Act

  • Bashy
  • WINNER: Central Cee
  • D-Block Europe
  • Ghetts
  • Nemzzz
  • Sampha
Best Female Act
  • Cleo Sol
  • WINNER: Darkoo
  • Jorja Smith
  • Little Simz
  • Nia Archives
  • Raye
Album of the Year
  • WINNER: 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”
  • WINNER: 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
  • WINNER: Odeal
  • Pozer
Video of the Year
  • Meekz – “Mini Me’s” (Directed By Kc Locke)
  • WINNER: 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
  • Cleo Sol
  • Elmiene
  • Flo
  • Jaz Karis
  • Jorja Smith
  • Nippa
  • WINNER: Odeal
  • Sasha Keable
  • Shae Universe
  • Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Music Act
  • WINNER: ALT BLK ERA
  • Bob Vylan
  • Hak Baker
  • Kid Bookie
  • Native James
  • Spider
Best Grime Act
  • Chip
  • D Double E
  • Duppy
  • Kruz Leone
  • Manga Saint Hilare
  • WINNER: Scorcher
Best Hip Hop Act
  • WINNER: Bashy
  • Cristale
  • Headie One
  • Nines
  • Potter Payper
  • Skrapz
Best Drill Act
  • 163Margs
  • Central Cee
  • Headie One
  • Kairo Keyz
  • K-trap
  • WINNER: Pozer
Best International Act
  • Asake
  • WINNER: 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
  • WINNER: 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
  • WINNER: 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
  • Asake (Nigeria)
  • WINNER: 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
  • WINNER: Shenseea
  • Skillibeng
  • Spice
  • Valiant
  • Yg Marley
Best Jazz Act
  • Amy Gadiaga
  • Blue Lab Beats
  • Ego Ella May
  • WINNER: Ezra Collective
  • Kokoroko
  • Yussef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act
  • Eliza Rose
  • Nia Archives
  • Pinkpantheress
  • Salute
  • Shygirl
  • WINNER: Tsha
Best Producer
  • Ceebeaats
  • Inflo
  • WINNER: Juls
  • M1onthebeat
  • P2j
  • Sammy Soso
Best Gospel Act
  • WINNER: Annatoria
  • Imrhan
  • Limoblaze
  • Reblah
  • Still Shadey
  • Volney Morgan & New Ye