The MOBO Awards 2023: A Celebration of Black Music and Cultural Excellence

Central Cee and Darkoo Dominate the Night

The 2023 MOBO Awards, held in Newcastle, was a night to remember, with some of the biggest names in music claiming top honors. Central Cee emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the award for Best Male Act. His absence from the ceremony didn’t dim his shine, as he made history by becoming the joint most-decorated rapper in MOBO Awards history, tying with Stormzy at seven awards. Meanwhile, Darkoo had a stellar night, winning both Best Female Act and Song of the Year for her hit single Favourite Girl featuring Dess Dior. Her powerful performance on stage only added to the excitement of her double victory.

Bashy and Denise Lewis Honoured for Outstanding Contributions

Bashy also had a memorable evening, securing two major awards: Best Album for Being Poor Is Expensive and Best Hip-Hop Act. His red-carpet appearance and acceptance speeches showcased his gratitude and dedication to his craft. Beyond the music categories, the ceremony celebrated trailblazers across various industries. Dame Denise Lewis, a legendary athlete, was awarded the "Paving the Way" prize, recognizing her immense contributions to sports and beyond. She joined a prestigious list of past winners, including Idris Elba, Sir Lenny Henry, and the late Jamal Edwards.

International Milestones and Genre-Bending Wins

The MOBO Awards continued to highlight global talent and cultural impact. Ayra Starr, a rising star from Nigeria, made history by becoming the first African woman to win Best International Act and the first female artist in 16 years to claim the Best African Music Act award. Her achievements underscored the growing influence of African music on the global stage. In other genre categories, Ezra Collective took home Best Jazz Act, Scorcher was named Best Grime Act, and Shenseea claimed Best Caribbean Music Act. These wins reflected the diversity and richness of black music across genres.

Special Honours and Performances

The ceremony also honoured Vybz Kartel, known as the "King of Dancehall," with the MOBO Impact Award. His influence on music extends far beyond dancehall, making him a cultural giant. The night was filled with electrifying performances by artists such as Nova Twins, Krept & Konan, and Spice, who entertained the audience with their unique energy. These performances, along with the awards, highlighted the evening’s theme of celebrating cultural pioneers who have reshaped the music landscape.

Emerging Talent and Behind-the-Scenes Excellence

The MOBO Awards also spotlighted emerging talent, with Odeal claiming both Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act. His dual win highlighted his potential to shape the future of music. Meanwhile, Juls was recognised as Best Producer, and the 90s Baby Show took home the Media Personality award. Mnelia’s My Man earned Video of the Year, and Jacob Anderson received praise for his role in Interview With The Vampire. These awards celebrated not just the artists but also the creatives and personalities who contribute to the music industry’s vibrancy.

A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience

As the MOBO Awards look ahead to their 30th anniversary in 2026, they continue to champion black music in the UK and globally. Founder Kanya King emphasised the event’s purpose of honouring cultural pioneers, describing Denise Lewis as a "true inspiration" and Vybz Kartel’s impact as "immeasurable." Despite her recent diagnosis with stage-four cancer, King remains committed to leading the organisation, ensuring the MOBO Awards continue to thrive as a platform for celebrating excellence and diversity. The 2023 ceremony was a testament to this legacy, with winners and performers alike embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines black culture and music.