The 2025 MOBO Awards is coming to Newcastle 03 Oct 2024
18 FEBRUARY 2025
LIVE FROM UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE
THE NORTH EAST WELCOMES THE EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC & CULTURE FOR THE FIRST TIME
REGISTER HERE FOR ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE 24-HOUR TICKET PRE-SALE ON 4 OCTOBER
GENERAL SALE GOES LIVE ON 5 OCTOBER - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS
SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS, SPECIAL HONOUREES, SHOW HOSTS AND NOMINEES TO BE ANNOUNCED
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. 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.
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, 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.
Tickets and VIP Packages:
- 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.
- VIP packages will be available from 2 December 2024. To find out more information, please visit mobo.com/awards
NEWS & PRESS
Global Nightlife Leaders from Over 30 Countries Converge on Liverpool for Night Time Economy Summit 2026
Liverpool will take centre stage in the global nightlife conversation as night-time economy leaders from more than 30 countries converge on the city for the Night-Time Economy Summit 2026, taking place on 11th and 12th February 2026. Hosted at Blackstock Market, the two-day Summit...more
European Talent Exchange presents final results 2025
ESNS Alumni make international impact across festivals in 2025 European Talent Exchange proudly presents the final results of 2025, a year in which emerging European artists crossed borders at an exceptional pace. Throughout the year, the programme supported 352 shows by 150...more
Independent music publishers generated €2.7bn in 2024 globally - up 5.1% YoY
The latest edition of IMPF's Global Market View also confirms that the collective global market share of the independent music publishing community held firm at 26.3% in 2024. Independent music publishers generated €2.7bn globally in 2024, representing a 5.1% increase year-on-year. The...more
PPL distributes £54.3 million to 147,000 performers and recording rightsholders bringing payments in 2025 to £277.7 million
PPL is paying £54.3 million to 147,000 performers and recording rightsholders today, either as direct members of PPL or indirectly through other collective management organisations (CMOs), including over 8,500 first time payees. This final distribution of the year also includes...more
Beggars Group
We are pleased to confirm that the shares in the Beggars Group were transferred into a Trust in October 2024. This strategic decision aims to preserve the company's independence and help to ensure continuity over future generations, in the interests...more
France’s music publishing market was up 6% in 2024 to €597 million boosted by strong revenues in Digital, Public Performance and Live
The music publishing market in France has posted record revenues of €597 million in 2024, up 6% compared to 2023, according to the yearly report ‘Focus on Music Publishing in France 2024′, unveiled today by music publishers’ associations CSDEM (pop...more
Bandcamp Fridays in 2025 Deliver Over $19 Million to Independent Artists and Labels, Surpassing Last Year's Total
Final Bandcamp Friday of the Year Was the Strongest of the Year – Driving More Than $3.8 Million in 24 Hours Since Its 2020 Launch, the Initiative Has Routed Over $154 Million Directly to Artists and Labels Bandcamp, the world's largest online music...more
BMG and TikTok expand partnership to advance songwriter recognition and digital rights management
BMG has renewed and expanded its direct music publishing agreement with TikTok, marking the next phase in a partnership focused on evolving digital rights, creating deeper value for songwriters, and supporting continued innovation across the platform. The new agreement strengthens BMG's...more
Christmas break 2025 - News
News from the break will appear here from 20 December to 4 January....more
BPI opens nominations for election of Independent Representatives on its Council
The BPI is holding elections for two independent representative places on its Council BPI Council plays a key role in determining the trade association’s strategy and policy goals Deadline for nominations is 1pm Thursday 15 January 2026, with voting opening in early...more
PRS for Music pays out record £274.9 million in final royalty distributions of 2025
Nearly 400 music creators receive a royalty payment for the first time PRS for Music has announced its largest-ever royalty payout, distributing £274.9 million to rightsholders worldwide. The December distributions mark a 4% increase on last year, cementing its role as...more
Music Venue Trust Announces New Co-Chairs and Expanded Board Governance as Sector Faces Critical Year Ahead
Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced key changes to its Board of Trustees as the organisation prepares for the challenges of 2026. Chris Prosser and Jane Beese have been...more
Beatchain deepens emerging market presence with West African launch of WAVVI in partnership with Tom Russell & Y’akoto, Founders of AFROSON1C X
New platform will connect talent from one of the world’s fastest growing music regions with global opportunities Beatchain, the AI-driven A&R, artist and label services platform for the independent music sector, is expanding into West Africa through a collaboration with British...more
Eric Wong promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at Warner Music Group
Esteemed Exec Takes On New Post Alongside His Role As President, East West Records US & President, Warner Music Canada Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced that Eric Wong has been promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at WMG alongside his post as President,...more
Alain Lanceron named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato
NONESUCH RECORDS PRESIDENT DAVID BITHER TO OVERSEE WMG'S CLASSICAL DIVISION MARKUS PETERSEN APPOINTED EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, WARNER CLASSICS Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato, effective January 1, 2026. The widely admired leader has worked...more
Boomtown appoints new Managing Director
Boomtown Festival has announced the promotion of Toby Gwazdacz to the newly created role of Managing Director, marking an evolution in the festival’s leadership structure. In his new position, Gwazdacz will work strategically alongside Boomtown co-founders Luke Mitchell and Chris...more
The BRIT Trust announces its beneficiary charities for 2026
Grants totalling more than £30 million have been awarded by the BRIT Trust since its foundation in 1989, supporting causes that share its mission to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts The BRIT Trust – the principal charity of...more
Cherry Red Records acquires Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment
Cherry Red Records is proud to announce the acquisition and representation of three significant and culturally influential catalogues: Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment. Each brings a unique catalogue to the Cherry Red roster, expanding the label’s repertoire in...more
New Study Warns Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule Is Silencing Southeast Europe’s Music Scene
Read the study here A comprehensive new report entitled Impact Analysis of Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule, conducted by ANMIP-BG - IMPALA member and national association representing Bulgarian independent labels - in association with SoAlive Music Conference and Flat Line Collective, has uncovered...more
UK Music Chief Executive response to Government AI & Copyright Statement of Progress
In response to the Government’s Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Statement of Progress published today, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “UK Music welcomes the findings from the Government’s AI consultation, which vindicates the position taken by UK Music and the...more
Divo appoints Ashok Parwani as Head Of Music
Strategic Hire Will Accelerate Regional Catalogue Expansion and Strengthen Artist Partnerships in Key South Indian Markets Divo, one of South India's leading digital media and music companies, which is majority owned by Warner Music India, today announced the appointment of Ashok...more
RoEx Announces Studio Pro
Hits 5 Million Track Milestone Audio technology company RoEx has introduced Studio Pro, a premium subscription tier for its Mix Check Studioplatform, marking the release alongside a significant milestone: 5 million tracks enhanced across its suite of AI-driven audio production tools. Studio Pro offers unlimited access to Mastering+...more
[PIAS] Announces Retirement of Nick Hartley, Group Chief Operating Officer & Group Chief Financial Officer
Longstanding Board Director to Step Down after 26 Years [PIAS], one of the world’s leading music groups, has announced the retirement of Nick Hartley, the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After a distinguished career spanning...more
Nile Rodgers honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award at 65th MPA Christmas lunch
Iconic CHIC co-founder and global hitmaker recognised for five decades of musical innovation as the MPA celebrates a Disco-themed 2025 Christmas Lunch The Music Publishers Association (MPA) today presented the legendary Nile Rodgers with its prestigious Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting &...more
FAC & Amazon Music offer a step up boost to five more UK artists
Gigi Moss, lleo, Maya Lane, Nia Wyn and Richard Carter will all receive three days of studio time at The Breakthrough Lab - the bespoke, state-of-the-art production facility operated by Amazon Music and Metropolis Studios This expansion of Step Up Fund...more
‘You could go for years without knowing you can earn a penny’: Kojey Radical on songwriter royalties
Exclusive recording of 101 Part Time Jobs podcast with BRIT, Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize-nominated Kojey Radical out now. The launch of the Livelihood campaign from PRS for Music highlights the crucial need for greater education around live performance royalties. An...more
Over 137,000 Hate Crimes in England and Wales Last Year - Ask For Clive Leads the Charge Against Hate and Builds Inclusive Nightlife Spaces
Hate crime isn’t just a statistic, it’s a harsh reality affecting thousands daily. Over 137,000 hate crimes were recorded in England and Wales last year, though the true figure is closer to 176,000. Marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ people and disabled...more
rekordbox for iOS/Android now supports SpotifyDJ on mobile devices – rekordbox for Mac/Windows supported
AlphaTheta announces that its DJ application rekordbox for iOS/Android is now compatible with Spotify. Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, offering over 100 million tracks and billions of playlists. With this update, in addition to rekordbox for...more
Rebecca Allen promoted to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at Universal Music Group UK
ALLEN TAKES ON BRAND NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE FOLLOWING SUCCESS AT THE HELM OF EMI, DECCA, AND UMG UK’S AUDIENCE, MEDIA & STRATEGY DIVISION Universal Music Group UK (UMG UK), the UK’s leading music company, has today announced the promotion of Rebecca...more
Ticket Fairy announces deal to provide millions in funding for promoters worldwide
Ticket Fairy expands global financing, unlocking funding of up to £5M in the UK, €3M across Europe and $3M in the US, for venues, festivals and events promoters Ticket Fairy has announced a significant expansion of its global financing capabilities that...more
THE HEADLINES
The global value of music copyright hits an all-time high (see Reports)
The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)
Looking ahead to 2026 (see Opinion)
Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan (see News)
Music discovery: More channels, more problems (see Reports)
The 10 biggest AI music stories of 2025 (see Features)
Do pop stars write their own hits—and if not, who does? (see Analysis)
TikTok unveils its Year in Music Report (see Digital)
Coldplay, U2, Ed Sheeran named most popular touring artists of the millennium (see News)
King Gizzard, having pulled music from Spotify in protest, find genAI clones on the platform (see Digital)
UK parliamentarians join call to regulate most powerful AI systems (see News)
Martin Mills is trying to thwart a record industry takeover by Universal (see Features)
IMPF says members should reject AI deals that do not value songs properly (see News)
Which songs do we replay the most? (see Analysis)