Everything You Need to Know About: The 2025 MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards are coming to Newcastle for the very first time…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that the MOBO Awards are set to take place in Newcastle for the first time this February.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, we’ve put together a handy guide to the 2025 MOBOs – including ticket prices, nominees and other exciting things going on in the lead-up to the show.
What are the MOBO Awards?
They’re an annual awards ceremony celebrating the very best talent in Black music and culture, both nationally and internationally.
Established by founder Kanya King back in 1996, the MOBOs (which stands for ‘music of Black origin’) are a key event in the British music industry calendar and they’re being hosted in Newcastle for the first time ever this February.
When and where are the 2025 awards happening?
The MOBO Awards are taking place on Tuesday 18th February at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena and you could be in the audience when the winners are revealed.
How much are tickets?
General admission tickets are priced between £29.25 and £64.25 but if you’d like to go all out, Balcony Plus tickets are available for £145.26 and include top views, a glass of champagne on arrival and a charcuterie cone.
Tickets can be bought via the Utilita Arena website, but please note that under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+.
Which artists are nominated this year?
A whole host of British talents have received nominations including rapper-actor Bashy, soulstress Cleo Sol and grime artist Duppy.
British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz, who scooped Best Hip Hop Act last year, is nominated in the Best Female Act category, while grime MC/rapper Ghetts is nominated in three categories – Best Male Act, Album of the Year and Best Performance in a TV Show/Film.
The Best International Act category, meanwhile, features nominees including Beyonce, Kendrick Lamarr and Megan Thee Stallion. For a full list of all categories and nominees, visit the MOBO Awards website.
Who decides who wins?
The final decision is down to the MOBO Awards Judging Panel – an independent voting body made up of expert music judges from every sector of the industry including DJs, journalists and agents.
What else is happening?
In the lead up to the awards show, Newcastle will also host the MOBO Fringe Festival – an exciting series of events and activities celebrating the city’s Black music and culture held in association with Newcastle City Council, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music, Northern Roots and members of the local community.
Details are yet to be announced but keep an eye on the MOBO Awards website for info coming your way soon.
We couldn’t be prouder that an awards show of MOBO’s magnitude is happening right here in Newcastle or more excited to find out who this year’s winners will be. If you’re just as excited as we are, get those tickets booked and be the first to know who scoops this year’s awards!
The 2025 MOBO Awards take place on Tuesday 18th February at Utilita Arena Newcastle, Arena Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7NA. To buy tickets, visit the Utilita Arena website.
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