Central Cee has set a new record at the MOBO Awards by becoming the first artist to win Best Male Act three times.
With this latest win, he now holds seven MOBO trophies, matching Stormzy as the most decorated rapper in the awards’ history.
Although he did not attend the ceremony in person, his award was collected by host Eddie Kadi, who jokingly said they “share everything… except royalties.”
The event, held in Newcastle, also saw Bashy make a triumphant return, winning Best Album and Best Hip-Hop Act after a 15-year hiatus from music.
Darkoo took home the Best Female Act award, surpassing strong competition from Raye and Jorja Smith.
While accepting her award, Darkoo humorously admitted she had tried using ChatGPT to write her speech but ended up freestyling, expressing gratitude to her family for their unwavering support.
Central Cee, also known as Cench, previously won Best Male Act in 2024 and recently released his debut album after achieving eight top 10 singles.
Reacting to his latest victory, he simply posted a screenshot of the awards’ coverage on Instagram with the caption, “that’s nice.”
However, he missed out on two other nominations, with Pozer winning Best Drill Act and Darkoo claiming Song of the Year for Favourite Girl, her collaboration with Dess Dior.
Despite not entering the UK Singles Chart, Favourite Girl triumphed over major hits, including Stormzy and Chase & Status’ number one track Backbone and Central Cee’s Band4Band with Lil Baby, which peaked at number three.
Ayra Starr also made history, becoming the first African woman to win Best International Act and the first woman in 16 years to claim the Best African Music Act award.
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel received the MOBO Impact Award, marking a significant moment in his career after his murder conviction was overturned last year.
Speaking at the event, he reflected on his journey, including spending 13 years in prison while battling Graves’ disease.
He credited fate, change, and forgiveness for his resilience.
The star-studded night featured performances from Nova Twins, Spice, Krept & Konan, and award winners Odeal, Darkoo, and Bashy.
Bashy, who stepped away from music for 15 years to focus on acting, expressed pride in winning Best Hip-Hop Act and Album of the Year for Being Poor Is Expensive.
He highlighted his long journey, acknowledging his past as a bus driver, postman, and retail worker, encouraging aspiring artists to embrace their struggles.
The ceremony also honored MOBOs founder Kanya King, who recently revealed her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis.
Labour MP Dawn Butler became emotional while presenting Kanya with a surprise Paving the Way award, which was also given to athlete and broadcaster Denise Lewis.
Kanya received a standing ovation, expressing deep gratitude and determination to be present for the MOBOs’ 30th anniversary next year.
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