Shenseea, Vybz Kartel Honored At MOBO Awards 2025

Dancehall stars Shenseea and Vybz Kartel received top honors at the 2025 MOBO Awards held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18.

Shenseea claimed her second MOBO Award, winning in the Best Caribbean Music Act category against fierce competition including Skillibeng, Popcaan, Spice, YG Marley, and last year’s winner Valiant.

This victory, announced earlier in the day via social media, follows her 2021 win in what was then called the Best Reggae Act category.

Her sophomore album Never Gets Late Here, released last year, was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 67th Grammy Awards.

In the evening, Fever deejay Vybz Kartel accepted the prestigious MOBO Impact Award, marking a remarkable turnaround in his life story. Accompanied by his son Likkle Vybz and fiancée Sidem, Kartel delivered an emotional acceptance speech that touched on his personal struggles and triumphs.

“Think about this — I got locked up — did 13 years in prison. Meanwhile, I’m in prison; I’m diagnosed with Graves’ disease. So, I’m fighting to be free, fighting my illness, fighting to keep my family together,” Kartel shared with the audience.

Kartel’s Party With Me EP, released last year while he was still incarcerated, was nominated for Best Reggae Album at 67th Grammy Awards. He expressed gratitude for the Grammy nomination and the opportunity to attend the MOBOs, noting the significance of walking the red carpet with his English fiancée.

Fellow dancehall artist Spice presented the Impact Award with high praise for Kartel, declaring him “the King of Dancehall” and acknowledging his role as “a true pioneer” who has “redefined the genre with his fearless lyrics, infectious energy and groundbreaking sound.”

MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE endorsed the choice, stating, “Vybz Kartel’s impact on music is immeasurable. His influence extends beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant.”

The ceremony concluded with spectacular performances from both Spice and Kartel, with the latter delivering an electrifying medley that brought the Newcastle crowd to their feet.