He has yet to release his debut album, but Central Cee could become the first musician to win best male artist at the Mobo Awards three times.
The West London rapper is currently tied with Stormzy, who also has two wins, but picked up his third consecutive nomination when the 2025 shortlist was announced on Wednesday morning.
He’s up against stars including Bashy, Sampha and D-Block Europe for the award, which he last won in February. The musician is also nominated for best drill act and song of the year, for the Top 10 hit Band4Band.
Other triple nominees include R&B singers Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol. Winners will be announced next February.
Established in 1996, the Mobos celebrate black music in the UK and beyond.
Former winners Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are among the nominees for best international act, but the category is more notable for its promotion of African artists.
Tyla, the South African star whose slinky seduction anthem Water became a global smash last year, is a front-runner for the prize, alongside Nigerian singers Tems and Ayra Starr – who became the first Afrobeats artist to play Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage earlier this summer.
They’re joined on the shortlist by Nigerian rapper and singer Asake, as well as US musicians Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion and Glorilla.
Pop star Raye, who has already enjoyed a record-breaking year, caps it off with a second consecutive nomination for best female.
She won the prize at the most recent ceremony, in Sheffield, but was unable to attend due to touring commitments in Australia.
Her competition includes street soul singer Jorja Smith and R&B vocalist Cleo Sol – best known for her work with the soul collective Sault.
Both are also up for album of the year, recognising their nuanced, mature takes on British soul: Cleo Sol for Gold and Jorja Smith for Falling Or Flying.
Actor Ashley Thomas is also recognised in the best album category, after breaking a 15-year hiatus to return to his rap alter-ego, Bashy.
His record, Being Poor Is Expensive, is an emotionally gripping account of his childhood, which also earns the musician nominations for best male and best hip-hop act.
The album of the year nominations are rounded out by Ghetts’ similarly autobiographical On Purpose, With Purpose; Sampha’s Lahai, a musing on fatherhood inspired by his young daughter; and West London rapper Skrapz’s densely-packed Reflections – his first ever top 10 release.
They’ll find out who has won in a star-studded ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18 February 2025.
