Central Cee, RAYE and Potter Payper triumph at 26th MOBO Awards celebrating Black music excellence

In a landmark ceremony celebrating Black music and culture, the 26^th MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards crowned Central Cee, RAYE and Potter Payper as its top winners on Wednesday night in Sheffield. Central Cee scooped two coveted awards for Best Male Act and Song of the Year, while RAYE was honoured as Best Female Act and Potter Payper took home Album of the Year. The star-studded event unfolded at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, with electrifying performances and an audience both live and virtual, via the MOBO’s YouTube channel.

Hosted by comedians Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack with co-host Zeze Millz, the ceremony spotlighted the best in UK rap, Afrobeats, Dancehall, Pop/R&B and Garage with performances by iconic acts like Soul II Soul, Ghetts, and the Sugababes. The BBC One broadcast, 26^th MOBO Awards: Access All Areas, is set to air on the 9^th February, offering viewers a chance to relive the night’s highlights.

Central Cee’s hit Sprinter, a collaboration with Dave, achieved a historic 10-week stint at No1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. RAYE’s victory followed a triumphant year marked by her debut album My 21st Century Blues, while Potter Payper’s Real Back In Style secured his first MOBO win after multiple nominations.

Other notable winners included Little Simz for Best Hip Hop Act, Sault for Best R&B Act, Ezra Collective for Best Jazz Act, Shygirl for Best Dance/Electronic Act and Bugzy Malone for Best Grime Act, each reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of Black music in the UK.

The MOBO Pioneer Award was bestowed upon Ghetts, a recognition of his significant contributions to the genre. Sheffield’s own Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with the Paving The Way Award for her inspirational achievements in sports and philanthropy.

The event also featured a series of pre-ceremony activities known as MOBO Fringe, organised by Sheffield City Council, MOBO and the local community. The initiative included a talent showcase, an industry panel, and school programs, all designed to celebrate the impact of Black music and culture.

MOBO Founder & CEO, Kanya King CBE, reflected on the event’s significance and the MOBO’s enduring role in promoting Black excellence in entertainment. She invited audiences to experience the magic of the ceremony again online and through the upcoming BBC One special.

The MOBO Awards, since its inception in 1996, has aimed to be a vital platform for Black talent in the arts, not only within the UK but globally, and continues to work to foster growth, recognition and celebration of cultural achievement.

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Image: Donnie Sunshine

For further information and future events visit MOBO Awards’s website here.