Aisha Tukur
He has yet to release his debut album, but Central Cee could become the first musician to win best male artist at the Mobo Awards three times.
The West London rapper is currently tied with Stormzy, who also has two wins, but picked up his third consecutive nomination when the 2025 shortlist was announced on Wednesday morning.
He’s up against stars including Bashy, Sampha and D-Block Europe for the award, which he last won in February. The musician is also nominated for best drill act and song of the year, for the Top 10 hit Band4Band.
Other triple nominees include R&B singers Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol. Winners will be announced next February.
Established in 1996, the Mobos celebrate black music in the UK and beyond.
Among this year’s nominees is jungle artist Nia Archives, who’s up for best female and best electronic act, following the success of her debut album, Silence Is Loud.
“It just feels surreal,” she told the BBC, “but it’s nice to be recognised for what I’m doing.”
“I think it’s a really good time for black British musicians, producers and creatives. So it’s really cool for the Mobos to celebrate that.”
Pop star Raye, who has already enjoyed a record-breaking year, caps her achievements with a second consecutive nomination for best female.
She won the prize at the most recent ceremony, in Sheffield, but was unable to attend due to touring commitments in Australia.
Her competition includes street soul singer Jorja Smith and R&B vocalist Cleo Sol – best known for her work with the soul collective Sault.
Both are also up for album of the year, recognising their nuanced, mature takes on British soul: Cleo Sol for Gold and Jorja Smith for Falling Or Flying.
Actor Ashley Thomas is also recognised in the best album category, after breaking a 15-year hiatus to return to his rap alter-ego, Bashy.
His record, Being Poor Is Expensive, is an emotionally gripping account of his childhood, which also earns the musician nominations for best male and best hip-hop act.
The album of the year nominations are rounded out by Ghetts’ similarly autobiographical On Purpose, With Purpose; Sampha’s Lahai, a musing on fatherhood inspired by his young daughter; and West London rapper Skrapz’s densely-packed Reflections – his first ever top 10 release.
