Central Cee makes MOBO history by becoming first artist to win Best Male Act three times

Central Cee has made history at the MOBO Awards, which celebrate Black music and culture, becoming the first artist to win Best Male Act three times.

The West London rapper now holds seven MOBO trophies - tying with Stormzy as the most decorated rapper in the awards' history.

His reaction? Understated as ever. While not present at the ceremony, which took place in Newcastle, he posted a screenshot of the announcement on Instagram, captioning it: “that’s nice.”

Last month, Cench dropped his highly anticipated debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, which debuted at No.1 on the UK Albums Chart (read our review of it here). He's also up for three BRIT Awards, including Best Artist and Song of the Year.

Bashy, returning after a 15-year hiatus, took home Best Album and Best Hip-Hop Act. Darkoo beat out heavyweights like Raye and Jorja Smith to claim Best Female Act, while Nigerian star Ayra Starr made history as the first African woman to win Best International Act and the first woman in 16 years to take home Best African Music Act.

Meanwhile, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, recently freed after his murder conviction was overturned, was honoured with the MOBO Impact Award - and he’s already gearing up for a major comeback, with a Wireless Festival performance confirmed for this summer.

Other genre awards saw 2023 Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective named Best Jazz Act, Scorcher win Best Grime Act, Pozer take Best Drill Act, and TSHA claim Best Electronic/Dance Act.

FULL LIST OF MOBO 2025 WINNERS:

Best male act - Central Cee

Best female act - Darkoo

Best newcomer - Odeal

Album of the year - Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive

Song of the year - Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, Favourite Girl

Video of the year - Mnelia, My Man

Best hip-hop act - Bashy

Best grime act - Scorcher

Best drill act - Pozer

Best R&B/Soul act - Odeal

Best media personality - 90s baby show

Best African music act - Ayra Starr

Best performance in a TV show/ film - Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With The Vampire

Best electronic/ dance music act - TSHA

Best gospel act - Annatoria

Best jazz act - Ezra Collective

Best producer - Juls

Best Caribbean music act - Shenseea

Best alternative music act - ALT BLK ERA

Best international act - Ayra Starr

MOBO paving the way award - Denise Lewis MBE

MOBO impact award - Vybz Kartel