ALT BLK ERA, Bob Vylan, Kid Bookie and more are up for Best Alternative at the MOBO Awards 2025

The nominations for next year's MOBO Awards have been revealed.

Taking place in Newcastle for the first time on February 18, the MOBO nominees list features some of the biggest names in music right like like RAYE, Central Cee and Sampha.

And heading up the Best Alternative category are six acts making waves in the rock and alt. space, including two of this year's Kerrang! cover stars Bob Vylan and Kid Bookie. They're joined on the shortlist by ALT BLK ERA, SPIDER, Hak Baker and Native James – who was a previous finalist in the MOBO UnSung Top 20.

Speaking about this year's nominees MOBO Founder Kanya King CBE said: “Each and every time we unveil the MOBO Awards nominations, I am taken aback by the sheer amount of incredible talent we have in the UK. It inspires us all to continue pushing the industry to be more inclusive of a greater variety of Black music and culture. The music coming out of the UK this past year has been some of the best we have had in years.

"These distinct, uncompromising voices – across different genres from R&B and soul to grime, hip-hop to jazz and alternative – are not just soundtracks for our days. They provide healing and reflection, and also escapism in times of need. For several years now we have also seen the growth of our MOBO UnSung talent programme, as it continues to be a beacon for spotlighting and empowering emerging artists. Some of the artists tipped by UnSung have gone on to achieve great things and we're so proud to be following their journey, and celebrating their success. A huge congratulations to all our nominees across music, film and television, and entertainment. We look forward to welcoming you in Newcastle!"

The winners will be revealed on February 18 in a ceremony at Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

READ THIS: Kid Bookie: “I’m challenging the status quo by prodding and making people think. This is the place to practise rebellion and influence change”