The 2025 Mobo Awards, held at Utilita Arena in Newcastle this year, belonged to Darkoo. The British and Nigerian artist has won two awards, Best Fimen Act and Song of the Year, for his hit “favorite girl” (featuring Death Dior). Her inspiring performances, along with other performers like Bashy, Odeal and Pozer, rounded out the night and solidified her position as a force to consider.
I try to chat a speech, but I fumbled. The best female act of the year. Lost words!!
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hakazukqpo
– darkoo (@darkoo) February 18, 2025
Darkoo first entered the scene in 2019 with the platinum certified “Gangsta.” Her rise is nothing but a meteor. This early success was further bolstered with a No. 1 hit in 2021 as part of Wayne and Russ’ multi-MC remix of millions of drill track “Body.” The “favorite girl” itself has won tens of millions of streams in both its original form and in a remix featuring Nigerian star Lema. Other recent successes, such as “Focus on Me (all sexy girls on Club)” and “Right Now” (featuring Davido), have shown a consistent impact on the charts.
Her signature sound, which seamlessly blends African rhythms with modern British influences, was fully on display during her enchanting performances. She conducted the stage, played “favorite girls” and other tracks, showing why she is the main light of British music.
These Mobo victory is more than just admiration. They represent Darkoo’s influence on the UK music scene, especially for female artists. From the trends in viral ticock to collaborating with prominent artists, she has cultivated an undeniable movement. Her performance resonated throughout the arena, capturing the artist’s energy at the peak of her powers.
Darkoo was not the only double winner of the night. Born in Germany and raised in Nigeria and Spain before settling in the UK, Odeal also won two awards: Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Artist. Odeal released a stable musical flow in 2024, including EP Sunday at Zuri’s and Mini-Album Lustropolis, and released a stable musical flow in 2024, featuring collaborations with Us Star Summer Walker. He has built strong support with his sincere vocal style. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has won two awards in the overseas category for the Best African Music Act and Best International Act.
Central CEE was named the Best Male Act following the success of his debut album Can Chan Rush Greatness. In other rap categories, Scorcher won Best Grime Act, while Poser picked up Best Drill Act.
Beyond the award itself, the ceremony also recognized a great contribution to music and culture. Former Olympic gold medalist Dennis Lewis won the Way Award, while dancehall vocalist Vibbs Cartel was recently released from prison and won the Impact Award.
Darkoo’s double victory and performance signal stopping the show, as well as waves of tide influence. This was just the beginning of her reign. The future of British music is bright and undoubtedly the Darkoo name is engraved.
