Newcastle’s Utilita Arena will play host to the iconic MOBO Awards in 2025
The iconic MOBO Awards is excited to announce it is coming to the city of Newcastle for the first time ever. The ceremony is set to kick off the 2025 awards season, coming to you live from the Utilita Arena Newcastle on 18 February 2025.
A passionate city bursting with pride, Newcastle is renowned for its charming Geordie spirit, as well as its vibrant nightlife and eclectic live music scene. Known for its rich industrial heritage, iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, and its fervent football culture with Newcastle United, the city embodies both history and vibrancy. MOBO are delighted to be expanding to the North once again, continuing its tradition of bringing the MOBO Awards, along with exceptional music, talent, and culture, to cities and regions UK-wide.
Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring MOBO Fringe Festival – a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the host city, organised by the Council with members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, The Glasshouse Centre for International Music, and Northern Roots. This year’s collaboration with Sheffield City Council resulted in a three-day programme leading up to the 2024 MOBO Awards – with a talent showcase, a music industry panel offering insight to creative talent, producers and industry execs, alongside the involvement of over 100 schools, exploring the impact of Black music and culture through a range of educational activities.
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “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. 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!”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I’m thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to a new home in our region – just the latest major event putting North East England on the international map for culture. I know the Awards and the MOBO Fringe Festival across venues in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a huge inspiration for a new generation of young and emerging musicians working here in the North East.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “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.”
MOBO is also excited to welcome got2b as the Official Hair Styling Partner for the 2025 MOBO Awards. Since 2001, got2b stands for unique hair styles, individual looks, attitude, and encourages people to celebrate their originality. The got2b portfolio is unisex, diverse and colourful and perfect for anyone seeking to express their individual style.
In February, the 2024 MOBO Awards took place in Sheffield, hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, with Zeze Millz as the roaming co-host. Potter Payper, Central Cee and RAYE scooped top prizes of the night; alongside Ghetts who was honoured with MOBO Pioneer Award, Sugababes received MOBO Impact Award, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with MOBO Paving The Way Award. The ceremony 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.
For close to 30 years, MOBO has been proudly celebrating and elevating Black music around the world. Its legacy has seen MOBO be pivotal in supporting the growth of Black music and culture on a global scale, championing homegrown talent, and celebrating artistic excellence in genres such as Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Grime, Drill, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, African music, Electronic/Dance, Alternative music and beyond.
Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the UK and its iconic trophy is now one of the highest accolades in music. The Awards have honoured music stars such as Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and Jay Z, while also helping to elevate the careers of rising stars in the industry..
Recognising its unique position in popular culture, MOBO has also expanded beyond music to celebrate talent in the arts and media. It awarded an Inspirational Award to Hollywood star Idris Elba and acclaimed British filmmaker Steve McQueen, Best Media Personality to Chunkz and Yung Filly, and Best Performance In A TV Show/Film to Kane Robinson (Kano) for his role in ‘Top Boy’ at 2022’s ceremony.
The impact of the MOBO Group extends far beyond the annual awards show. MOBO is deeply committed to promoting social change and inclusion, supporting the development of young talent, and advocating for diversity across the entertainment industry and beyond. Through mentorship programmes, partnerships with educational and charitable organisations, and career development opportunities with leading organisations, MOBO has been a driving force for positive change.
By championing creativity, providing platforms for new voices, and advocating for equality, the MOBO Awards and the wider MOBO Group continue to inspire and empower talents and communities across the UK and beyond.
For access to an exclusive 24-hour ticket pre-sale on 4 October, register here. General on-sale goes live on 5 October – visit mobo.com/tickets.