THE MOBO Awards were lit up with glamour tonight as the stars of music took to the red carpet. The ceremony - which started almost 30 years ago - celebrates and elevates black music in the UK. In a historic move, the MOBO awards are being held at the Utilita Arena Newcastle next year. This years star-studded lineup of nominees was released last year. This includes the likes of Raye and Skepta for best video as well as Jorja Smith and Little Simz for best female act.
![[Indiyah Polack at the MOBO Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/indiyah-polack-mobo-awards-arrivals-973122680.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
Indiyah Polack has returned to co-host the 2025 ceremony alongside Strictly star Eddie Kadi. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the reality beauty revealed the moment she ‘fell to her knees’ after hearing the news. She said: “I remember exactly where, I was at a Fenty Beauty event and I literally fell to my knees because I thought my agent's trying to pull a prank on me, I was like, what are you talking about?.
![[Ayra Starr at the MOBO Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ayra-starr-mobo-awards-arrivals-973121766.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
“It just felt so surreal, it was such an honor to even be offered the opportunity.”. Eddie Kadi also spoke about how excited he is to host at this year’s awards, he said: “Even just being called to present an award at the MOBO's is an honor. “It's a thing that I've grown up with as a kid so to be called in as a host and then do it with Indiyah as well, listen, I can't ask for anything else, man.
![[Amber Gill at the MOBO Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/amber-gill-mobo-awards-arrivals-973121199.jpg?strip=all&w=641)
“I'm excited already because I know we're gonna have a lot of fun.”. This is the first year the MOBO's have been held in Newcastle. In the run up to the awards, 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.
![[Kanya King at the MOBO Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/kanya-king-attends-mobo-awards-973117957.jpg?strip=all&w=610)
"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!”. Over the years MOBO has helped nurture home grown talent such as Skepta, Dave and 2022's Mercury Prize winner Little Simz. Last years MOBO awards took place in Sheffield.
![[Nova Twins at the MOBO Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NINTCHDBPICT000973116696.jpg?strip=all&w=640)