Our reporter Lola Schroer has just caught up with Bashy, who's up for best male act, album of the year and best hip hop act.

After a 15-year break from the music scene to focus on acting, he says he took some time for himself and "figured out what I wanted to say".

He says the scene "was in a tough place" but there's been "so much progress made".

On his song How Black Men Lose Their Smile, Bashy says he wanted to speak about micro-aggressions that people who are "othered" experience - something he says he's dealt with himself.

You can catch all our red carpet interviews live by pressing watch live at the top of the page.

Jack Gray
Newsbeat reporter, on the red carpet

Image source, Jack Gray/BBC

Welcome to Newcastle, where it's freezing (but at least there's a Greggs van).

The red carpet for the Mobos is getting under way and the stars are starting to arrive.

It's a big night for the likes of Central Cee - up for three awards including best male act.

Beyoncé and Raye are up for awards, and Bashy is making his musical return after 15 years.

There’s plenty more up-and-coming artists bracing the cold of the Toon for a night of music and celebrating black culture.

Millie Trenholm
BBC Newsbeat reporter in Newcastle

Simi Odemeru says she’s really excited to have the Mobos in Newcastle this year.

The 21-year-old architecture student tells BBC Newsbeat she feels there is “less representation” for black culture where she lives and it is “nice to see black music being represented up north”.

“It’s nice to share the culture, share the music - I think it’s wonderful to see that.”

The Mobos says it’s proud to host the awards in cities across the UK, and last year broadcast the ceremony from Sheffield.

"I hope that it just allows for more stuff like this to happen in Newcastle,” says Odemeru.

“I feel the music scene is pretty good but we don’t get a lot of big artists coming up that often.”

As for who she wants to see win, it has to be Raye, who’s nominated again for Best Female Act.

“She’s had an incredible year and I just love seeing her win.”

Mark Savage
BBC Music correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle isn’t exactly famous for its rich history of black music. This is the city that gave us Sting, Lindisfarne and Dire Straits. Its closest connection to UK rap is Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.

But the North East has a burgeoning scene. The local BBC Introducing team are championing rappers like Reali-T, Kay Grayson and Shakk, as well as Drum & Bass act Griffon and others.

The Mobos want to nurture talent outside London, where opportunities are often harder to come by – which is why they’ve picked Newcastle as this year’s host city.

Ahead of the ceremony, there’s been a week of “fringe” events, giving young musicians the opportunity to work alongside local black artists and learn from music industry professionals.

“It has just been really energising, talking about the impact that these iconic, international awards can have on our region,” North East Mayor Kim McGuinness told BBC News.

“We’ve got a thriving music scene but too often it’s underground. We need to bring it to the fore, and the Mobos gives us an opportunity to do that.”

Image source, Getty Images

Mobo stands for Music of Black Origin, and for almost 30 years the awards have celebrated black music and culture in the UK.

Launched in 1996 by British entrepreneur Kanya King, the awards champion artists from a range of genres from drill to gospel music.

The awards have been hosted all around the UK, including shows in Glasgow, Sheffield and Coventry.

Rapper Stormzy has won seven Mobos, and has thanked the awards for “putting artists like myself in front of a million-plus audience”.

Last year’s best female Raye said in 2022 she recalls sitting at the awards hoping “one day” she’d win a gong herself.

Rachel Flynn
Live reporter

Good evening and welcome to our coverage of the 27th Mobo Awards - celebrating music of black origin in the UK and abroad.

It's safe to say it's been another incredibly exciting year of Mobo music.

Central Cee released his long-awaited debut album, while 2013 International Artist winner Kendrick Lamar made the whole world stop and listen to his Super Bowl show... and dust off the cobwebs of any old pair of flared jeans.

Watch out for the triple nominees tonight - including R&B singers Jorja Smith and Cleo Sol, as well as rapper and actor Ghetts, who's up for best performance in a TV show or film.

Central Cee is also up for three, and could become the first artist to win best male act three times.

We'll be following all the action unfolding at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, and you can do the same by pressing watch live at the top of this page - where BBC 1Extra's Richie Brave and reporter Lola Schroer will be hearing from tonight's star as they walk the red carpet.