BBC Newsbeat
Mobo AwardsLove Islander Indiyah Polack will return as host for this year’s Mobo Awards, which she’ll present alongside comedian Eddie Kadi.
For the first time, the annual awards will take place in Newcastle with artists including Central Cee, Jorja Smith and Ghetts up for the top honours.
Organisers have also revealed the first wave of performances for the ceremony on 18 February, with sets from Spice, Bashy and Krept & Konan.
“This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most electrifying yet,” says founder and CEO Kanya King.
Indiyah also hosted the 2024 awards in Sheffield and says she’s “so excited to be back”.
“We’re going to bring a show like no other before to Newcastle, celebrating the richness of Black music and culture.”
1Xtra presenter Eddie added that it was an “honour” to present the awards.
“We’re teaming up to bring the vibes,” he says.
“There are so many incredible artists nominated and the show is going to reflect the incredible range of the Mobo Awards.”
Getty ImagesJamaican dancehall artist Spice is up for best Caribbean music act this year while Bashy has three nominations – best male act, best hip-hop act and album of the year.
Real name Ashley Thomas, the rapper reprised his alter-ego Bashy after a 15-year-hiatus to release his record Being Poor Is Expensive over the summer.
He says he’s “feeling blessed” to have the chance to perform.
“I actually wrote [2009 track] Black Boys after watching the 2006 Mobo Awards, secretly hoping I would be on the stage one day,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This is a nice moment still, the younger version of myself is smiling inside, the older version of me respects the journey.”
Krept & Konan aren’t up for any awards this year but have previously been recognised in the best newcomer and best hip-hop act categories.
Central Cee could make history as the first artist to be named best male act three times – bagging all his nominations before the release of his debut album which is out on Friday.
Meanwhile Raye’s in the running for back-to-back wins for best female act after claiming the top prize in 2024.
Founder Kanya revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and confirmed on Wednesday that the Mobo’s 2025 charity partner was Prostate Cancer UK.
“Cancer is something that has personally impacted my life, making this partnership with Prostate Cancer UK deeply meaningful,” she says.
“We’ve always strived to use our platform to inspire change and address issues affecting our community.
“This collaboration is an opportunity to amplify a lifesaving message.”
The awards will be streamed live on YouTube and there will also be a special programme on BBC One on 21 February.
