First MOBO Awards acts announced along with busy Fringe programme
The national music celebration and ceremony will make its North East debut next month
The first wave of acts set to perform at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle have been unveiled.
‘Queen of the dancehall’ Spice, UK rappers - and longtime MOBO alumni - Krept and Konan and actor and rapper, Bashy will all take to the stage at the city’s Utilita Arena on February 18… and audiences are being promised that their performances will be among a parade of ‘unforgettable moments for the Awards’ most electrifying year yet’.
Almost three decades since debuting in 1996, the 2025 event - which will be live streamed on YouTube before a BBC broadcast - will mark the first time the Music of Black Origin Awards have been held in the North East.
MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the first wave of performers for the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle. Each of these artists brings something truly special to the stage, and this is just the beginning.”
Nominated for Best Caribbean Music Act, Jamaican musician Spice will arrive on Tyneside on the back of an iTunes Top 10 debut album while introducing a ‘fearless’ new long-player, Mirror 25.
British artist and rapper Bashy is up for a trio of MOBOs - Album of the Year, Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK and Best Hip-hop Act - and is performance is already being billed as a highlight of the night.
Meanwhile British hip hop pair Krept and Konan are no stranger to MOBO Awards - they picked up the Best Newcomer gong in 2013 and made good on that confidence vote two years later when they were named Best Hip Hop Act.
Kanya added: “From the vibrant energy of dancehall to the dynamic sounds of UK rap and R&B, we’re curating a night full of unforgettable moments. This year’s show is shaping up to be one of our most electrifying yet, and we can’t wait to reveal more incredible talent as we count down to February 18. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!”
Nominations across 20 categories have been announced, alongside a busy Fringe programme, scheduled to run from February 13 and billed as a ‘five-day festival of culture, community, and creativity’.
A collaboration between Newcastle City Council, MOBO and partners Generator, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Northern Roots, Nrthrn Baby, World Headquarters and Sister Shack, The MOBO Fringe is supported by more than 50 community and industry representatives across the city.
Aiming to inspire young creatives and highlight the exceptional talent in the North East, the Fringe programme will feature live performances, workshops, industry summits, and community-led initiatives.
Highlights from the Fringe programme unveiled so far include:
A launch event at The Glasshouse (Feb 13) featuring performances from the likes of Azula Bandit, Hannabiell & Midnight Blue, Kay Greyson & EK, Malik Abdul, Nadedja, Reali-T, Sisi and Voices of Virtue
Live @ The Grove (Feb 14) will offer R&B Karaoke as well as performances from Georgia May, Hunni, Jamilah, MannytheMANN, Mcxxne, Sengi, Simba Shore and The97RENN.
DJ sets, live performances and more at World Headquarters (Feb 15)
The BBC Introducing NE X MOBO Showcase at The Glasshouse (Feb 16) featuring live performances and collaborations.
A MOBO Music Summit @ The Glasshouse (Feb 17) will offer a full day of industry led panels and cultural conversations, workshops, demo listening sessions.A
The MOBO Unsung Class of 2025 Showcase (Feb 17) @ Pilgrim (formerly Hoochie Coochie)
There will also be DJ, dance, writing and other workshops, together with a schools and young people’s programme, including a five-week creative boot camp run by Tyneside Cinema and local artists.
Young people will create a series of music videos and a behind the scenes ‘making of’ documentary celebrating the MOBOs and its time in the North East - the resulting films will be screened at the Tyneside Cinema on February 15, followed by a live performance and Q&A.
Kanya said: “The Fringe is all about celebrating Black music and culture while creating opportunities for young and local talent to shine. Following its huge success in Sheffield last year, we’re eager to build on that momentum.
“This is a chance to bring people together, spark fresh ideas, and leave a lasting legacy of inspiration. Newcastle, the countdown has begun!”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "This is an exciting time for our region, and the MOBO Fringe is a fantastic start to 2025. I know so many people will embrace the Fringe gigs and be part of the unique event."
To book tickets for the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, visit the website. To find out more about the MOBO Fringe, visit mobo.com/fringe.