The MOBO Awards are set to be held in Newcastle for the first time for the 2025 edition.
Next year’s instalment will be held live at the city’s Utilita Arena on February 18, and will mark the 27th edition of the music awards.
According to a new press release, the UK city was chosen this time around as it is “a passionate city bursting with pride”, as well as widely recognised for its “charming Geordie spirit, vibrant nightlife and eclectic live music scene”.
This isn’t the first time that the ceremony is being held in a city in the north of England. Earlier this year, the 2024 edition of the MOBOs took place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, hosted by comedian Babatúndé Aléshé and presenter Indiyah Polack.
Ahead of next year’s ceremony, MOBO are working alongside Newcastle City Council to introduce MOBO Fringe Festival to Newcastle. This is a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture, organised by the Council, and includes contributions from members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music, and Northern Roots.
The 2024 collaboration with Sheffield City Council came as a three-day programme and included a talent showcase, as well as a music industry panel offering insight to creative talent, producers and industry execs. Over 100 schools were involved too, and explored the impact of Black music and culture through a range of educational activities.
“Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city. We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East,” Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said.
“Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music. Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council added: “I am honoured that our city has been chosen to host such a prestigious and exciting event. Newcastle is a warm, welcoming and inclusive city. Our city is more diverse than ever before and our ever-developing music scene is a reflection of that.
“We know that being involved in music has enriched the lives of so many people who live here and provided them with opportunities they may never have otherwise had. And this ethos is firmly embedded in the MOBO Awards, so making Newcastle their home in 2025 seems the perfect fit.”
At time of writing, details about the nominees and presenters for 2025 have not yet been revealed, although further information is expected to be shared later this year.
The nominees for the 2024 ceremony were announced in December, with Little Mix and Stormzy leading the way with four nominations each. Central Cee, PinkPantheress, J Hus and Raye received three nominations each. See the full list of this year’s nominees here.
At the ceremony, Ghetts was honoured with the MOBO Pioneer Award, Sugababes received the MOBO Impact Award, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with the MOBO Paving The Way Award. The ceremony also featured live performances by Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, plus an electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoony.