The MOBO Awards 2025 delivered yet another electrifying night celebrating Black music and culture, and as a longtime follower of this prestigious event, I have to say—it was one for the books. From jaw-dropping performances to well-deserved wins (and a couple of snubs), the night was a testament to how far Black music has come and where it’s headed.
Bashy’s Big Moment – A Long Overdue Recognition
One of the standout moments of the night was seeing Bashy take home Best Hip-Hop Act and Album of the Year for Being Poor Is Expensive. If you’ve been following UK hip-hop for the past decade, you know Bashy’s been a cornerstone of the scene, influencing a new generation of artists. His latest project, packed with raw storytelling and social commentary, finally earned him the flowers he’s deserved for years. Watching him on that stage, visibly emotional, made it clear—this wasn’t just a win for him, but a win for the culture.
Darkoo’s Dominance – A Star Cemented
If there was any doubt that Darkoo is running the game right now, her sweep of Best Female Act and Song of the Year for Favourite Girl silenced all critics. She’s mastered the blend of Afrobeats, rap, and R&B, and her chart domination reflects that. The real question now is—how far can she take it? With this momentum, she could easily become one of the biggest global acts representing the UK sound.
Odeal’s Breakout Night – The Industry’s Next R&B King?
One of the most exciting storylines was Odeal walking away with Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act. His rise over the past year has been insane, and this moment felt like the industry officially crowning him as the next leader of UK R&B. His ability to weave Afro-influences into soulful melodies makes him a unique voice, and it’s refreshing to see R&B get its proper shine at the MOBOs.
The Afrobeats Takeover Continues
It was no surprise that Ayra Starr took home Best African Music Act—she’s been on an undeniable run. What stood out to me, though, was how Afrobeats had a presence throughout the night, not just in the awards but in the performances and crowd reactions. The genre has evolved beyond a “trend” and is now a global force. If the MOBOs continue embracing this shift, it might become the most exciting category of the show in the coming years.
Snubs & Surprises – Where Was Central Cee’s Dominance?
Every award show has its fair share of snubs, and this year, Central Cee’s absence in major wins was definitely a talking point. The man has had back-to-back hits and a serious global impact. While he did secure Best Male Act, many expected him to dominate categories like Best Song or Best Hip-Hop Act. Was this a case of the MOBOs trying to spread the wins around, or did the voting committee feel like other artists made a bigger impact this year?
Final Thoughts – The MOBOs Are in a Great Place
Overall, this year’s MOBO Awards felt like a celebration of not just established legends but also the future of Black music. The winners reflected a diverse range of sounds—UK rap, Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop all had their moments.
If there’s one takeaway from the night, it’s that Black music is more global than ever. Artists aren’t just making waves in their own lanes; they’re pushing boundaries and redefining the industry. And as a fan and an observer of these award shows, that’s exactly what I love to see.
What were your thoughts on the MOBO Awards 2025? Any wins you loved—or snubs you still can’t believe? Let’s talk! 🔥🎤 #MOBOAwards2025
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