Central Cee is now tied as the most-decorated rapper in Mobo Awards history after winning best male act at the 2025 event.

Bashy dedicates his Mobo awards (best Album and Best Hip Hop) to his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer the last time he was in Newcastle and was here to see him collect his awards, says it was scary returning to music after 15 years since his last album and says now is the time to step back and look at what he has achieved.

Prior to the ceremony getting going at around 8pm, a whole host of stars hit the red carpet at the arena, with the likes of NUFC striker Callum Wilson, TV hosts Vick Hope and Fleur East and many of the night's nominees striking a post.

Central Cee made his own history as well, scooping his seventh MOBO (Best Male Act) and matching Stormzy's record. Darkoo, meanwhile, won Best Female Act and Song Of The Year ("Favourite Girl" with Dess Dior).

Bashy, real name Ashley Thomas, opened the awards with a performance of his song How Black Men Lose Their Smile. It’s been 15 years since the Londoner last released a full studio album but Being Poor Is Expensive was clearly worth the wait as it landed Album of the Year.