Ayra Starr, Darkoo, Odeal Win Big at the 2025 MOBO Awards

At the recently concluded 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in Newcastle, England, Nigerian-born artists Ayra Starr, Darkoo, and Odeal achieved major milestones, highlighting the evolving impact of Black-origin music on the global stage.

Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr claimed two of the night’s top honors, winning “Best International Act” and “Best African Music Act”. Her victory in the latter category is particularly historic, making her the first woman in 16 years to receive the award.

British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo also had a standout night, earning the “Best Female Act” award and “Song of the Year” for her 2024 hit “Favorite Girl” featuring Dess Dior.

Upcoming R&B crooner Odeal was also a double winner, taking home the awards for Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act. The Billboard African Rookie of the Month for January 2025 has seen an acceleration in his career thanks to his sonic voice and Afrocentric beats that have captured the hearts of millions on social media and beyond.

The 2025 MOBO Awards celebrated an array of artists and actors of Black origin, highlighting their global influence.

Notable among the winners are Central Cee for Best Male Act, Bashy for Best Album after a 16-year music hiatus with his sophomore project “Being Poor is Expensive,” Mnelia for Video of the Year with “My Man,” and Jacob Anderson for Best Performance in a TVShow/Film thanks to his electrifying portray as Louis de Pointe du Lac in the vampire thriller “Interview with the Vampire.”

Jamaican icon Vybz Cartel was honored with the MOBO Impact Award for contributing to the propagation of dancehall music. Despite his controversial career, Kartel’s music has transcended borders, shaping the sound of modern dancehall and inspiring a new generation of artists worldwide like Spice and Shenseea.

In his acceptance speech, he celebrated his career highs and lows with an important message on the power of faith, change, and forgiveness.

Odeal, Darkoo, Vybe Kartel, Krept & Konan, Bashy, Nova Twins, and Spice graced the stage with electrifying performances of their latest hits.

The MOBO Awards is an annual British ceremony, founded by Kanya King, that celebrates artists and actors of African, Caribbean, and Black heritage who have contributed significantly to the growth of Black music and culture.

View the list of winners below:

Best Male Act: Central Cee

Best Female Act: Darkoo

Best Newcomer: Odeal

Album of the Year: Bashy – “Being Poor Is Expensive”

Song of the Year: Darkoo – “Favourite Girl” (ft. Dess Dior)

Video of the Year: Mnelia – “My Man” (directed by Femi Bello)

Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy

Best Grime Act: Scorcher

Best Drill Act: Pozer

Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal

Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show

Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr

Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac in “Interview With the Vampire”

Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA

Best Gospel Act: Annatoria

Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective

Best Producer: Juls

Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea

Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA

Best International Act: Ayra Starr

MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis

MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel