North London rappers Little Simz and Knucks jointly won the album of the year prize at the 25th MOBO awards.

Their albums, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and Alpha Place, were recognised at the awards, which celebrates Black music and culture.

The event returned to London on Wednesday, with Brent’s Chunkz and co-host Yung Filly leading the annual ceremony at the OVO Arena Wembley.

The win topped off another successful year for Islington’s Little Simz, real name Simbiatu Ajikawo, who took home the Mercury Prize in October and was named best new artist at the Brit Awards.

Harrow Times: Knucks celebrated with his Mobo awardKnucks celebrated with his Mobo award (Image: PA)

A year ago she scooped her first MOBO award for best female act for her critically acclaimed fourth record, having been nominated 11 times since 2014.

Kilburn rapper and producer Knucks, whose music combines rap and jazz, led the way at this year’s awards with five nominations for his debut album.

The ceremony saw chart-toppin drill rapper Central Cee, from Shepherd’s Bush, named the best male act alongside Pink Pantheress, who won best female act, while his song Doja also won video of the year.

West London music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards was honoured following his death in February this year.

Harrow Times: Chunkz, from north west London, hosted the Mobo with Yung FIllyChunkz, from north west London, hosted the Mobo with Yung FIlly (Image: PA)

Edwards, who found fame after setting up the music platform SBTV in 2006, was posthumously honoured with the Paving The Way prize, which celebrates trailblazers who had led the way for future generations of talent to follow.

The show remembered the late DJ with a special tribute performance by Emeli Sande.

Singer and rapper Craig David, who is a six-time MOBO winner, received the Outstanding Contribution award and performed at the event.

The ceremony also saw the best grime act go to D Double E, Bru-C take home best newcomer and K-Trap win best drill act.

D Block Europe received best hip hop act while Mahalia won best R&B soul act and Burna Boy took home two gongs for best African music act and best international act.

BBC 1Xtra will air a special show on December 7, with performances from the night and backstage interviews as well as Mobo Awards at 25, a special five-part podcast which will be broadcast on BBC 1Xtra and BBC Sounds.