Love Island’s Indiyah Polack and comedian Eddie Kadi have been announced as the hosts of The MOBO Awards 2025.
The former reality star, 26, and Eddie, 41, will be helming the event set to be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 18.
The celebration of Black music and culture will roll out its red carpet for the very first time in Newcastle.
Global dancehall queen Spice, UK rap duo Krept and Konan, and the multi-talented Bashy are the first wave of performers confirmed for the ceremony – with more stars to be announced soon.
The 2025 MOBO Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm GMT on 18 February, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast special airing on 21 February.
Eddie is a passionate advocate for African music, hosting The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra every week and has also toured as a host with the likes of Wizkid, Lauryn Hill and Burna Boy.
Love Island’s Indiyah Polack and comedian Eddie Kadi have been announced as the hosts of The MOBO Awards 2025
The former reality star, 26, and Eddie, 41, will be helming the event set to be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 18
He took on his first MOBO role at the 2021 Awards in Coventry as a roaming host accompanying Munya Chawawa and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Since then, he has gone on to become one of the UK’s fastest rising TV stars, with an extensive list of credits including his time as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
He has since achieved prestigious earning nominations including Best Breakthrough Award at the Royal Television Society and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards.
Meanwhile Indiyah returns for her second year to co-host the MOBO Awards.
As well as joining Capital Xtra as a presenter recently, she has appeared as a panellist on the last two seasons of Love Island Aftersun, alongside Sam Thompson and Maya Jama, and additionally hosts the Love Island podcast, The Morning After.
Upon the announcement Eddie said: ‘The MOBO Awards is a big part of British music culture and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this year’s ceremony with Indiyah.
‘There are so many incredible artists nominated and the show is going to reflect the incredible range of the MOBO Awards – from hip hop to dancehall and more surprises to come!
‘Watch this space. We can’t wait to bring the party to Newcastle where we know the energy is going to be electric!’
Eddie is a passionate advocate for African music, hosting The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra every week and has also toured as a host with the likes of Wizkid, Lauryn Hill and Burna Boy
Jorja Smith (seen) joined Ghetts and Central Cee as three of the front runners for the upcoming MOBO Awards 2025 as the nominations were announced last year
Rapper Ghetts (seen) was recognised for his work both in music and acting, receiving nods for Best Male Act and Album Of The Year – as well as Best Performance In a TV Show/Film for his role as Krazy in Netflix’s Supacell
Central Cee (seen) now attracts more than 25million monthly streams, and 2024 saw the release of singles including ‘BAND4BAND’ featuring Lil Baby, which received a Song Of The Year nod. He is also up for Best Male Act and Best Drill Act
Indiyah added: ‘I’m so excited to be back co-hosting the MOBO Awards for the second year.
‘We’re going to bring a show like no other before to Newcastle, celebrating the richness of Black music and culture.
‘You can expect some incredible red carpet looks, amazing live performances and of course, great vibes from Eddie and I.’
BBC One will air an exclusive behind-the-scenes special on Friday 21 February, offering viewers an access-all-areas experience of the event.
Ahead of the Awards night, The MOBO Fringe will take place in locations across Newcastle from Thursday 13 February to Monday 17 February.
It will combine live performances, workshops, industry summits, and community-led initiatives to leave a lasting legacy for the region.
The MOBO Award 2025 nominees fall across over 20 categories and this year, the British R&B scene shines brightly, with triple MOBO nominees Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol leading the charge.
The annual awards ceremony is to take place in Newcastle for the first time ever, and will be held at the Utilita Arena on February 18
