Nigerian music stars Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage have earned nominations for the 2026 MOBO Awards, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence on the global Black music scene.
Organisers announced the nominations on Thursday, unveiling contenders across 20 categories ahead of the ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester. The event will mark the first time the MOBO Awards are hosted in the city and coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary.
Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage are nominated for Best African Music Act, alongside fellow Nigerians Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi and Adekunle Gold. Also featured in the category are Ghana’s Moliy, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and South Africa’s Tyla, reflecting the continued global rise of African music.
Ayra Starr secured multiple nominations, earning recognition in both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, where she will compete against global stars including Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna and Vybz Kartel. Tyla and Moliy also received nominations in both categories.
At the 2025 ceremony, Ayra Starr made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, while also claiming the Best International Music Act award.
Widely regarded as Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, the MOBO Awards recognise outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025.
Commenting on the nominations, MOBO founder and chief executive officer, Kanya King CBE, said the 2026 shortlist reflects the strength, diversity and cultural impact of Black music today.
“As MOBO enters its 30th year, this year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in. Their voices matter, not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future,” King said.
She added that the nominations represent “one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence in years,” while also highlighting the awards’ expanding international reach.
Leading this year’s nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Kwn and Jim Legxacy, each with four nods. Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress and FLO follow closely with three nominations apiece across major categories.
Beyond music, the awards also celebrate achievements in film, television and media. Nominees for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film include Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham for Netflix’s Adolescence, and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.
The ceremony will be supported by the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long cultural programme in partnership with Manchester City Council, featuring live performances, industry panels and creative workshops.
Tickets for the 2026 MOBO Awards are now available via the official MOBO website, with hosts, performers and special honourees to be announced in the coming weeks.
Full list of 2026 MOBO Awards nominees
Best male act
- Central Cee
- Elmiene
- Jim Legxacy
- Nemzzz
- Odeal
- Skepta
Best female act
- FLO
- Kwn
- Little Simz
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sasha Keable
Album of the year
- Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
- Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
- FLO – Access All Areas
- Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
- Little Simz – Lotus
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Song of the year
- AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
- Donae’o feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
- Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
- Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x
- Kwn – Do What I Say
- Myles Smith – Nice to Meet You
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- PinkPantheress – Illegal
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Tim Duzit – Kat Slater
Best newcomer
- DC3
- Esdeekid
- Finessekid
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Namesbliss
- Nia Smith
- Sekou
- Skye Newman
- YT
Video of the year
- Pozer – Shanghai Noon (directed by Bas Haselager)
- FKA twigs – Eusexua (directed by Jordan Hemingway)
- Jim Legxacy – Father (directed by Lauzza)
- Little Simz – Flood feat. Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly (directed by Salomon Ligthelm)
- Raye – Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)
- Skepta & Fred again.. – Back 2 Back (directed by Domamanic and Skepta)
Best R&B/soul act
- Elmiene
- FLO
- Kwn
- Odeal
- Olivia Dean
- Sasha Keable
Best alternative music act
- Alt Blk Era
- Blood Orange
- Hak Baker
- Michael Kiwanuka
- Nova Twins
- Rachel Chinouriri
Best grime act
- Chip
- Jayahadadream
- Kasst 8
- Ruff Sqwad
- Scorcher
- Wiley
Best hip hop act
- Aitch
- Asco
- Catch
- Central Cee
- D-Block Europe
- Kojey Radical
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
- Wretch 32
- Youngs Teflon
Best drill act
- 36
- Booter Bee
- Chy Cartier
- Esdeekid
- K-Trap
- Leostaytrill
- Nemzzz
- Pozer
- Twin S
- Wohdee
Best international act
- Ayra Starr
- Cardi B
- Clipse
- Gunna
- Kehlani
- Leon Thomas
- Mariah the Scientist
- Moliy
- Tyla
- Vybz Kartel
Best media personality
- Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
- DJ AG
- In My Opinion
- Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissa’s Wardrobe)
- Nadia Jae
- Niko Omilana
- PK Humble
- Remi Burgz
- Uche Natori
- Winners Talking
Best performance in a TV show/film
- Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King
- Ashley Thomas – Hostage
- Ashley Walters – Adolescence
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Damson Idris – F1
- Dayo Koleosho – EastEnders
- Lennie James – Mr Loverman
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
- Stephen Graham – Adolescence
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Best African music act
- Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
- Moliy (Ghana)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Caribbean music act
- Ayetian
- Lila Iké
- Masicka
- Shenseea
- Vybz Kartel
- Yung Bredda
Best jazz act
- CKTRL
- Ego Ella May
- Ezra Collective
- Kokoroko
- Nubya Garcia
- Yazmin Lacey
Best electronic/dance act
- FKA twigs
- Jazzy
- Kilimanjaro
- PinkPantheress
- Salute
- Sherelle
Best gospel act
- Annatoria
- DC3
- Faith Child
- Imrhan
- Sondae
- Still Shadey
Best producer
- Inflo
- Jae5
- Miles Clinton James
- P2J
- Sammy Soso
- Zach Nahome
