Mobo Awards Nominations Revealed, Central Cee and Jorja Smith Among Key Contenders

Central Cee, despite not yet having released his debut album, is positioned to potentially become the first artist to secure the best male artist award at the Mobo Awards three times. The West London rapper, currently holding two wins, a record he shares with Stormzy, received his third consecutive nomination for the 2025 awards, with the shortlist announced on Wednesday morning. He is nominated alongside artists such as Bashy, Sampha, and D-Block Europe for the award, which he previously won in February. Additionally, the musician is recognized in the best drill act category and for song of the year with his Top 10 hit, “Band4Band.” R&B vocalists Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol are also among those receiving three nominations. The winners of the awards will be revealed next February. The Mobo Awards, established in 1996, are dedicated to celebrating black music both within the UK and internationally. This year’s nominees include jungle artist Nia Archives, who is recognized for best female and best electronic act, following the success of her debut album, *Silence Is Loud*. Speaking to the BBC, she stated, “It just feels surreal, but it’s nice to be recognised for what I’m doing.” She added, “I think it’s a really good time for black British musicians, producers and creatives. So it’s really cool for the Mobos to celebrate that.” Pop star Raye, who has experienced a year of record-breaking achievements, adds a second consecutive nomination for best female to her accolades. She claimed this prize at the most recent ceremony held in Sheffield but was unable to attend due to touring commitments in Australia. Her competition for the award includes street soul singer Jorja Smith and R&B vocalist Cleo Sol, known for her contributions to the soul collective Sault. Both Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol are also nominated for album of the year, acknowledging their sophisticated and mature interpretations of British soul: Cleo Sol for *Gold* and Jorja Smith for *Falling Or Flying*. Actor Ashley Thomas also received a nomination in the best album category, marking his return to his rap persona, Bashy, after a 15-year break. His album, *Being Poor Is Expensive*, an emotionally compelling narrative of his childhood, also earned him nominations for best male and best hip-hop act. The remaining album of the year nominations feature Ghetts’ equally autobiographical *On Purpose, With Purpose*; Sampha’s *Lahai*, a reflection on fatherhood inspired by his young daughter; and West London rapper Skrapz’s intricate *Reflections*, which was his first ever top 10 release. In the best international act category, former winners Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are nominated, though the category is particularly notable for its emphasis on African artists. Tyla, the South African artist whose captivating track “Water” achieved global success last year, is considered a leading contender for the international prize. She is joined by Nigerian singers Tems and Ayra Starr, with Ayra Starr having made history earlier this summer as the first Afrobeats artist to perform on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. The shortlist further includes Nigerian rapper and singer Asake, alongside US musicians Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Glorilla. The winners will be announced at a high-profile ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18 February 2025. Nia Archives emphasized the importance of major events like the Mobos being hosted outside London, recalling her inspiration from watching Lethal Bizzle “from the nosebleed seats” when the ceremony visited her hometown, Leeds, in 2015. She elaborated, “When you have those outreach moments to regional towns and cities like Leeds and Bradford, it’s really inspiring as a young person. It’s really cool that that the Mobos decided to do that and it was really impactful for me at that age.” The full list of categories includes: Best male act Best female act Album of the year Song of the year Best newcomer Video of the year Best R&B/soul act Best grime act Best hip hop act Best drill act Best international act Best performance in a TV show/film Best media personality Best African music act Best Caribbean music act Best jazz act Best alternative music act Best electronic/dance act Best producer Best gospel act