Dancehall King Vybz Kartel is the 2025 MOBO Impact Award Honouree, making history as the first Jamaican artist to receive the prestigious honour.
In 2004, Kartel was nominated for a MOBO Awards but his nominated was withdrawn due to controversy surrounding the homophobic content of his lyrics.
Kartel, who was released from prison last July was nominated for Best Reggae Album for the EP Party With Me. The project lost to Bob Marley: One Love Music Inspired By The Film.
Beyond awards, the “Worl Boss” will join Drake on the final night of the 2025 Wireless Festival, marking his first major UK performance since his release from prison. The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will take place from July 11-13 at London’s Finsbury Park, with Drake headlining all three nights. Other acts include Burna Boy, Summer Walker, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
Kartel is also set to perform at Summerjam Festival in Germany (July 4-6) and has a busy 2025 tour schedule with shows in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and South America.
The MOBO Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant cultural impact, with past recipients including Idris Elba OBE, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams OBE, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE, and the late Jamal Edwards MBE.
This year’s MOBO Awards, set for February 18 in New Castle will also celebrate British sports icon Dame Denise Lewis DBE, who will receive the MOBO Paving The Way Award
MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE stated:
“The MOBO Awards have always been about recognising and celebrating cultural pioneers who have reshaped the landscape of music and beyond. Denise Lewis is a true inspiration and it’s an absolute pleasure to honour such a legendary figure. Few people have contributed more to their field in this country. Vybz Kartel’s impact on music is immeasurable. His influence extends beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant. Honouring these two pioneers on the MOBO stage inNewcastle will be a historic and unforgettable moment you don’t want to miss.”
This year’s MOBO Awards, hosted by Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack, will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm tomorrow night.
