Central Cee is now tied as the most-decorated rapper in Mobo Awards history after winning best male act at the 2025 event.

Bashy dedicates his Mobo awards (best Album and Best Hip Hop) to his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer the last time he was in Newcastle and was here to see him collect his awards, says it was scary returning to music after 15 years since his last album and says now is the time to step back and look at what he has achieved.

Prior to the ceremony getting going at around 8pm, a whole host of stars hit the red carpet at the arena, with the likes of NUFC striker Callum Wilson, TV hosts Vick Hope and Fleur East and many of the night's nominees striking a post.

MOBO Awards were held in Newcastle, with performers including Krept & Konan, Bashy, Spice, and Nova Twins. Special gongs were also handed out to athlete Denise Lewis, who took home the "paving the way" prize,

Ezra Collective, winners of the 2023 Mercury Prize, continued their streak by securing Best Jazz Act. Other notable winners included Scorcher for Best Grime Act, Pozer for Best Drill Act, TSHA for Best Electronic/Dance Act, and Annatoria for Best Gospel Act.

Central Cee has made history at the Mobo Awards, becoming the first artist to be named best male act three times. It was his seventh trophy, matching Stormzy's record as the most decorated rapper in the awards' history.

Central Cee, Ayra Starr and Vybz Kartel were all winners at the MOBO Awards (Music Of Black Origin) in Newcastle, England, on Tuesday evening (Feb. 18). The ceremony honors homegrown and international artists from diverse scenes including hip-hop, R&B, grime, jazz, and Afrobeats.

The evening proved to be history-making, with Bashy, Central Cee and Ayra Starr taking home record-breaking awards.

MOBO Awards at Newcastle's Utilita Arena saw Central Cee win Best Male Act and Ayra Starr become the first African woman to win Best International Act. View on euronews