Central Cee has become the first artist to win the MOBO for Best Male Act three times.
The 26-year-old rap star won the seventh MOBO award of his career in Newcastle on Tuesday (18.02.25), thereby equalling Stormzy’s record as the most decorated rapper in the history of the event.
The London-born rapper became the most-streamed UK rap artist in 2024, and he released his long-awaited debut album, ‘Can’t Rush Greatness’, in January.
Central Cee – whose real name is Oakley Caesar-Su – did not attend the event in person, but host Eddie Kadi accepted the award on his behalf.
Despite this, the rap star still took to social media to acknowledge his latest success at the MOBOs, posting a screenshot from the show and a captioning saying, “that’s nice”.
Bashy won the coveted Album of the Year award for ‘Being Poor is Expensive’.
The 40-year-old star is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of UK rap, but he took a 15-year break from the music scene before returning with his award-winning album in 2024.
Bashy said: “This has been a 20-plus year journey.
“It’s been hard work, tenacity, a lot of ups and downs, dedication, but this is God’s timing.
“If you’re seeing this whether you’re on year one or 20 … don’t give up, keep going.”
Elsewhere, Darkoo overcame competition from the likes of Little Simz, Raye and Jorja Smith to win the Best Female Act award.
The 23-year-old star – who was born in Nigeria, but moved to the UK at the age of seven – thanked God and her family for showing faith in her.
Darkoo said: “It’s been a rollercoaster but they believed in me for the past year and I’ve been shutting it down.”
Meanwhile, Odeal won the award for Best Newcomer.
The musician admitted to being amazed by his own success, having also received the Best RandB/Soul Act accolade.
He said: “Another one, this is insane.
“I’m so humbled … years ago watching these shows thinking … one day. And to win two awards is absolutely insane.”
Complete winners list:
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 (ft. 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 RandB/Soul Act:
Odeal
Best Media Personality:
90s Baby Show
Best African Music Act:
Ayra Starr
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film:
Jacob Anderson 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
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