- Play Hard
- 14th Feb 2025
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We speak to Nrthrn Baby about what hosting the MOBO Awards means for Newcastle
With the MOBOs here, it sets the tone for more investment, more opportunities, and more belief in what has already been built.
Nrthrn Baby
Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture will take over Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18 February on what promises to be a memorable night for the region.
Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring the MOBO Fringe Festival – a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the Tyne region.
Running from 13-17 February, The Fringe Festival will take over Newcastle with live performances, workshops, industry summits, and community-led initiatives which hope to leave a lasting legacy for the region.
One of the workshops that will take place at The Fringe will be a writing camp delivered by Nrthrn Baby – a Newcastle-based Music and Culture Agency.
Nrthrn Baby was founded in 2020 by Nicola Coaker and was set up to support artists across rap, R&B, and beyond.
During The Fringe, Nrthrn Baby will be putting on a writing camp for aspiring songwriters and artists at the RT Studio in Newcastle.
After a successful pilot writing camp in 2024, Nicola and Nrthrn Baby felt that it “ignited something in us to keep pushing forward.” And they never looked back as they are becoming a big force in the North East music scene and helping the younger generation with regular writing camps which includes: free studio time, a space for collaboration, music videos, and a finished track—all in one weekend.
“The artists involved can expect a proper hands-on, high-energy weekend – writing, collaborating, and even some production. Everyone gets a brief—just like in an industry-standard camp—so they’ll be working with real intent,” said Nicola.
She added: “More than anything, we want people to leave feeling inspired, gassed about their music, and part of something bigger. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, learning how collaboration benefits everyone involved and seeing your potential in a real industry setting.”
There’s truly something for everyone at The Fringe and as Nicole remarks, “It’s not just about watching—it’s about getting involved.”
Over the five-day festival, people can experience everything from Afro Mix Dance Classes with Dance City, DJ sets at World HeadQuarters and a creative bootcamp run across five schools by Tyneside Cinema.
The event will conclude with the ‘MOBO Unsung Class of 2025 Showcase’ at Pilgrim – spotlighting ten emerging artists embarking on a 9-month artist development programme.
“The work during the Fringe Festival is already proving that people want to be involved, organisations want to work together to make something great happen and this will only push things further,” said Nicola.
The North East is filled with talent but many young people will believe that they would have to relocate to a bigger city like Manchester or London to start a successful career in music. However, the MOBO Awards and surrounding events will potentially begin to prove otherwise.
“More young people will see a path into music, not just as an artist, but also as the people behind the scenes, the A&R’s, the marketers, the event managers, that actually feels possible,” said Nicola. “More grassroots venues, independent studios, and local businesses will feel the benefits, and more industry eyes will be on the region. It’s the start of something bigger.”
She added: “With the MOBOs here, it sets the tone for more investment, more opportunities, and more belief in what has already been built.”
The North East has had a big cultural impact for decades with artists like Sting, Mark Knopfler, and more recently Sam Fender coming from the region. However, the rap scene has long been overlooked, and that will potentially change following the buzz of the MOBO Awards.
“The MOBO Awards are massive for communities across the UK, but it’s the community outreach in the Fringe Festival the week before that really touches people. That’s what gets them involved, makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger.” Said Nicola. “It’s more than just a one-night event; it’s a platform and an opportunity for people to see themselves in an industry that often feels out of reach.
She added: “The real impact is in the legacy it leaves behind. For local artists, it feels like Newcastle is finally being recognised. For so long, rap and R&B up here have been overlooked, but now it feels like an even bigger community. The energy is different, the talent is undeniable, and the industry is starting to take notice,” said Nicola.
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