The 2025 MOBO Impact Award celebration reached new heights as dancehall icon Vybz Kartel received one of music’s most prestigious honors. The recognition acknowledges decades of groundbreaking influence that’s shaped not just dancehall, but the entire landscape of global music.
From Kingston’s streets to London’s clubs, Kartel’s impact spans continents and generations. His innovative approach to melody and lyrics has influenced everyone from UK drill artists to American hip hop stars. Tonight’s MOBO Impact Award celebrates this cross-cultural legacy that’s helped shape today’s sound.
In a powerful video message that left the audience spellbound, Kartel reminded everyone why he’s earned this recognition: “Music has no borders, no boundaries. We make music for the world.” That global vision has inspired countless artists to push their own creative limits and break new ground.
Looking at 2025’s biggest hits, Kartel’s influence is everywhere – from flow patterns to production styles. His blueprint can be heard in the new wave of artists dominating charts worldwide, proving his impact reaches far beyond his own extensive catalog of hits.
The MOBO Impact Award isn’t just celebrating the past – it’s recognizing an artist whose influence actively shapes music’s future. As new generations discover and draw inspiration from Kartel’s innovative approach to music, his legacy continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
