At the 2025 Mobo Awards, Nigerian artist Ayra Starr made a significant mark, winning major accolades and expressing both excitement and gratitude. “I dey shake now sef, I dey nervous,” she remarked during her acceptance speech. Starr thanked her supporters, including her team, her label Mavin Records, her musical collaborators, and notably, her mother. “Shout out to my mummy!” she said, acknowledging the pivotal role her family has played in her success.
In another historic achievement, UK rapper Central Cee made his own mark by being named Best Male Act for the third consecutive year, becoming the first artist to achieve this distinction.
His win also ties him with Stormzy for the most Mobo Awards won by a rapper.
MOBO 2025 winners full list
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 feat. Dess Dior, Favourite Girl
Video of the year – Mnelia, My Man
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 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 MBE
MOBO impact award – Vybz Kartel
