KANYA KING MOBO
This year saw the 27th edition of the MOBO Awards. How do you look back on the year in Black music? “Black music has always been a major cultural force, but this year really stood out. People are reshaping genres, owning their narratives and finding new ways to tell their stories. What I’ve enjoyed most is the mix of voices breaking through, established names pushing things forward and independent artists showing what’s possible when you have vision and control. That spirit is exactly what made this year’s MOBO Awards feel so special, and it felt good to have all of that energy celebrated on the MOBO stage.”
What did it mean to be honoured by The Ivors Academy this year? “Being recognised by The Ivors Academy was incredibly touching. It made me pause, not just to reflect on my own journey, but on the countless people, communities and creatives who have fuelled my drive from day one. Any impact I’ve had is reflected in the talent we’ve championed and in the younger generations who tell me that MOBO helped them believe there was a place for them in this industry. That’s what means the most.”
Can you tell us your track of 2025? “I have to celebrate MOBO’s Song Of The Year winner: Darkoo and Dess Dior’s
Brothers in arms: Oasis on stage at Heaton Park in Manchester this summer
Favourite Girl. It’s confident, catchy and captures the energy of where Black British music is right now.”
And your favourite album?
“I’m loving Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving. It’s warm, honest and beautifully crafted. She has this rare ability to write in a way that feels intimate without ever straining for effect, and the entire record lingers with you long after it ends. It’s no surprise she’s had such a stand-out year and this album is a big part of why.”
RYAN TEDDER Artist, songwriter
What was your favourite track and album of 2025? “Back To Friends and I Barely Know Her by Sombr. I just think Sombr is phenomenal – a young artist who does 100% of his own shit. When I listen, I can hear the code cracking in his head where he’s like, ‘Oh my God, I understand how to make hits!’. You can just feel the level of excitement that he probably had in that moment. Sombr, really, out of all the new artists that have popped on the scene, has just impressed the shit out of me.”
EMMA BOWNES The O2/AEG Europe
Earlier this year, you told us you were concerned that genuine fans will be priced out of seeing the artists they love. Is this still the case?
“Yes. Increasing touring costs and ever improving standards in show production – which come at a price – combined with an increasing demand for VIP packages all contribute to some fans being priced out of the opportunity to see the bands they love.”
What do you know about The O2 that you didn’t know in January? “We have an urban garden at The O2, which is home to 30,000 bees that make very nice honey.”
What were your track and album of 2025? “Ring Ring Ring by Tyler, The Creator and
musicweek.com
its parent album, Don’t Tap The Glass. I love the ’80s disco and funk vibe on Ring Ring Ring, and also the landline tone! His performance was one of my favourite shows at The O2 this year. I love the whole album from start to finish; I just wish it was a bit longer.”
CLARE BYRNE Big Brother Recordings/
Ignition
What has it been like to be part of the Oasis Live ’25 campaign?
“This year has been just epic for us all. With all the organic fan moments, mass crowd sing-alongs and the flooding of UGC on socials, the reactions and sentiment have been incredible. Seeing what Oasis mean to people and the emotional connection of fans of all ages has been very powerful. The momentum around the band went from strength to strength as it progressed, and we’ve seen an unprecedented response in some territories, particularly the US. Our strategy to bring Oasis Live ’25 to as many fans as possible digitally has been reflected by an immense streaming surge that sustained throughout the year. The
band’s Spotify monthly listeners peaked with a 35% increase around the tour and more than 50% of user discoveries in July were by Gen Z fans. It was brilliant seeing the Time Flies… album return to No. 1 twice, but the highlight has to be the weekend of the first Manchester shows with three albums in the Top 4 and three singles in the Top 20. Celebrating the 30th anniversary for (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? concurrently with the tour was massive, and Noel and Liam’s impromptu decision after the first show to release a live track from each city across the UK and Ireland leg kept us busy! The positivity and goodwill we’ve experienced across the industry has been very special.”
Can you let us in on any further plans for the Oasis catalogue?
“There’s so much of the incredible later catalogue we’re focused on spotlighting. We’ve had a great team on the road documenting the reactions in each city, which has been a huge driver. We have a huge bank of fresh content and we’re working on long-term plans to preserve the legacy of this historic tour.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “Haim’s Relationships was great. I’ve been a fan since they played with Primal Scream at Glastonbury. And I haven’t heard anything like Geese’s album for some time. Intense, layered, thought-provoking.”
JEFF SMITH BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music
What did Radio 2 and 6 Music do best this year? “Music was at the heart of everything they did, such as 6 Music’s Artists Of The Year, which featured the likes of Blood Orange and Kae Tempest, and newer acts like Geese and Jacob Alon. Radio 2’s Piano Room Month
had everybody from Coldplay to Elkie Brooks, Mica Paris and Teddy Swims!” What did you learn from the 2025 Mercury Prize?
“I saw the power of music to move people live as we took the show outside of London for the first time. The love for all the artists that played in Newcastle also underlined the amazing value of albums as bodies of work by incredible artists from across the UK.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2025? “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out by Role Model, and Olivia Dean’s album.”
Music Week | 39
PHOTOS: Louise Haywood-Schiefer, Big Brother Recordings
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