The MOBO Awards 2025 just cranked up the anticipation, rolling out a second wave of performers that promises a genre-spanning spectacle at Utilita Arena Newcastle on 18th February (tickets available here).
From alt-rock disruptors to afrobeats innovators and a full-throttle R&B celebration, the lineup is a bold reflection of the UK’s ever-evolving Black music scene.
Leading the charge is a special R&B showcase, orchestrated by DJ Ace and bringing together some of the finest voices in the genre: Jaz Karis, Nao, Sasha Keable, Shaé Universe, and none other than Shola Ama. The set will blend fresh talent with UK R&B royalty, honouring the genre’s past, present, and future.
Elsewhere on the bill, Odeal, Nova Twins, Darkoo, DJ AG, Pozer, and LeoStayTrill add fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an explosive night.
A #MOBOAwards moment in the making! 🎤💥 @darkoo is set to bring straight heat to the stage. You don’t want to miss this! Feb 18 in Newcastle! https://t.co/CssABozjpm pic.twitter.com/V4l0wxkuOf
— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 6, 2025
Odeal, a frontrunner in the Best R&B/Soul Act supported by KISS category, is up for three awards, including Best Newcomer and Song of the Year for ‘Soh-Soh’. His 2024 EP Lustropolis showcased his signature fusion of afrobeats and sleek R&B, and he describes its world as “a place where I’m comfortable and defeated at the same time.”
Alt-rock duo Nova Twins, fresh from dropping their ferocious new single ‘Monsters’, are set to bring their signature chaos to the MOBO stage, while Darkoo, nominated for Best Female Act in association with got2b and Song of the Year (‘Favourite Girl’ featuring Dess Dior), will keep the energy high with her club-ready afrobeats anthems.
Then there’s DJ AG, a man who has gone from spontaneous street sets to 50 million views on Instagram and TikTok in just a month. Known for pulling in huge names like Central Cee, Skepta, and Craig David, he’s taking his viral energy to the MOBO stage alongside newcomers Pozer and LeoStayTrill.
Pozer, a Best Drill Act nominee, has already racked up over 100 million global streams, while LeoStayTrill, just 18, has stormed onto the scene with the viral hit ‘Pink Lemonade’, earning him a Song of the Year nod.
MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE teased even more surprises ahead of the big night:
“MOBO has always been about shaping cultural moments that celebrate the richness and diversity of music, and this year will be no exception. Our R&B celebration promises to be a defining highlight, alongside an incredible showcase of genres on the MOBO stage.”
The MOBO Awards 2025 will be live-streamed on YouTube at 8PM GMT on 18th February, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast on 21st February.
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