Stars light up the MOBO Awards to help us reach millions with lifesaving message for men

Superstars of Black music and culture came together at the 2025 MOBO Awards for one of the biggest nights in the entertainment calendar – and this year they helped us reach out across the nation with our lifesaving message for men. 

As the event’s official charity partner, we were proud to take centre stage during the glittering awards ceremony on Tuesday 18 February as hundreds of famous names gathered in Newcastle to celebrate the best of Black music, culture and entertainment.  

This year’s event also became a huge moment for men’s health as we worked in partnership with MOBO to put prostate cancer in the spotlight.  

With thousands soaking up the ceremony live and huge numbers of music fans tuning in across the UK and around the world, the MOBOs has helped to raise vital awareness of the most common cancer in men. 

It’s also provided a powerful platform to get our lifesaving message to Black men, whose risk of prostate cancer is even higher. 

Central Cee picks up Best Male Act – and it's a big win for prostate cancer awareness

On a star-studded evening at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, there were big names wherever you looked – with the likes of Darkoo, Bashy and Odeal all picking up awards on the night.

And on the red carpet, celebrity guests echoed our prostate cancer message. From comedian and host Eddie Kadi, who told an emotional story about his grandfather's diagnosis, to the star of Netflix’s smash hit Supacell Josh Tedeku, who urged men to take charge of their health by using our online Risk Checker.

As well as taking our place as the official charity partner, we were proud to support the Best Male Act category as Central Cee came out on top in a stellar line-up of influential artists including Bashy, Sampha, MC Ghetts, D Block Europe and Nemzzz. 

“The MOBO Awards have been a cultural institution for decades now – and last night proved they’re still the pinnacle of Black British music and art,” said Keith Morgan, our Associate Director of Black Health Equity. 

“From the electrifying live performances to the celebrations of culture and the opportunities to thank both legends and up-and-coming artists for what they bring to our lives, it was truly a special night. 

“We’re honoured to be their official charity partner, helping put Black men’s risk centre stage and raising lifesaving awareness.” 

Kanya King, MOBO CEO and Founder, also showed her support on the night, sharing our prostate cancer message as she was honoured with a ‘Paving the Way’ award for her outstanding achievements with the MOBO organisation. 

As she accepted the award, she spoke with emotion and strength about her own terminal bowel cancer diagnosis - and how her cancer journey had inspired her to take action.  

“Let me be real with you,” she said. “If I ignored the signs and symptoms, I wouldn't be here right now. And in my cancer journey, I want to educate others. That's why MOBO is taking a stand. I'm proud that Prostate Cancer UK is the official charity partner of the official 2025 MOBO Awards.” 

1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer – that’s double the risk of other men

When it comes to prostate cancer, we know that Black men face a higher risk than other men. In fact, 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer. And your risk is even higher if you’re over 45 or have a family history of the disease. 

But we also know that if you find it early, prostate cancer is much easier to treat – which is why it’s so important to know your risk and find out what you can do about it. 

The first step is to check your risk using our online Risk Checker. More than 120,000 Black men have already checked their risk – and you can too. It’s just three questions and it only takes 30 seconds. 

Businessman Tim Campbell MBE, a former winner of TV’s The Apprentice, presented the Best Male Act award and took the opportunity to share his personal prostate cancer message. 

“I know my chances of getting it are double that of other men, just because I’m Black – and my risk increases with age too,” said Tim.  

“For Black men and men with a family history of the disease, 45 is the age that it’s a good idea to have a chat with your GP about your risk. 

“We want to make sure more of our dads, brothers, sons and mates get that all-important earlier diagnosis. Thanks to this partnership with the MOBO Awards, we will make a sizable difference – so a huge thanks to everyone that helped make it happen. Here’s to an encore next year!” 

It’s about time we changed outdated guidelines putting Black men’s lives at risk

We want to make sure Black men and their loved ones have the power to navigate prostate cancer. But as well as raising awareness, we’re also campaigning for change – because right now our health system is failing Black men. 

Here are the facts: 

• Black men have higher rates of stage three and stage four prostate cancer than any other ethnic group 

• Black men are diagnosed at all stages more often than white men 

• Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are less likely than white men of the same age to receive recommended treatments that are their best chance of a cure. 

Despite all of this, current NHS guidelines mean it’s up to each man to find out about his risk and decide whether to ask for a simple blood test to check for signs.  

It’s about time things changed. And that’s why we’re calling on the government to update the guidelines, so that GPs can speak to Black men about prostate cancer from the younger age of 45. 

You can join thousands of others who have already backed our campaign to save Black men's lives by signing our letter to Wes Streeting MP, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. 

SIGN THE LETTER TO SAVE LIVES