The MOBO Awards 2026 took place on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marking a 30th anniversary for one of the most influential celebrations of Black music and culture.
The night was dominated by Olivia Dean, who emerged as the biggest winner, securing three of the most important awards (Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year).
Alongside the night’s biggest wins, Wizkid reached a historic milestone, becoming the most awarded African artist in MOBO Awards history with seven wins, following his victory in the Best African Music Act category.
Other major winners included Central Cee, RAYE, and FLO, highlighting a strong showing for UK talent across multiple categories.
See Full Winners and Nominees List
Major Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Male Act
Central Cee
Dave
Fireboy DML
Headie One
Jim Legxacy (Winner)
Best Female Act
Ayra Starr
FLO
Jorja Smith
Justine Skye
Olivia Dean (Winner)
Album of the Year
Back to the World – Dave
CLB – Central Cee
Frames – FLO
The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean (Winner)
Voyager – Wizkid
Song of the Year
Baby Steps – Ayra Starr
Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake
Energy – FLO
Man I Need – Olivia Dean (Winner)
Sunset – Fireboy DML
Best Newcomer
Aylø
Ayra Starr
BackRoad Gee
DC3
Maceo
DC3 (Winner)
Video of the Year
Ain’t Safe – Ayra Starr
Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake
Energy – FLO
Man I Need – Olivia Dean
Where Is My Husband! – RAYE (Winner)
Genre Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Hip‑Hop Act
Central Cee (Winner)
Dave
Headie One
Knucks
Unknown T
Best R&B / Soul Act
Ayra Starr
FLO (Winner)
Jorja Smith
Tems
Victoria Monét
Best Jazz Act
Alfa Mist
Ezra Collective (Winner)
Nubya Garcia
Sons of Kemet
Theon Cross
Best Gospel Act
DC3 ((Winner)
Guvna B
Joel Amadi
Limoblaze
Preye Odede
Best Alternative Music Act
Black Midi
EVERGIB
Georgia
Nova Twins (Winner)
Smerz
Best Grime Act
AJ Tracey
Chip (Winner)
Frisco
Wiley
Yungen
Best Drill Act
Headie One
Kay Flock
M1llionz
Unknown T
Twin S (Winner)
Best Electronic Act
Bicep
Fred Again..
Jamie xx
Peggy Gou
Sherelle (Winner)
Regional & International Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best International Act
Cardi B
Gunna
Kehlani
Lizzo
Ayra Starr (Winner)
Best African Music Act
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
Rema
Wizkid (Winner)
Best Caribbean Music Act
Beenie Man
Buju Banton
Shenseea
Spice
Vybz Kartel (Winner)
Media & Performance Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Media Personality
Big Zuu
Charlamagne Tha God
Niko Omilana (Winner)
Sidemen
Tiffany Calver
Best Performance in a TV Show / Film
Damson Idris
Lashana Lynch
Letitia Wright
Tosin Cole
Stephen Graham (Winner)
Technical & Honour Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Producer
P2J (Winner)
Sarz
Teniola Apata
Jimmy Napes
Don Jazzy
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award- Slick Rick
MOBO Global Songwriter Award- Pharrell Williams