The 2026 MOBO Awards nomination list has officially been revealed, spotlighting the biggest names across Black music and culture and African artists, particularly Nigerians, are once again at the center of global recognition.
Among the headline moments is Rema’s nomination for Best African Music Act, placing the Afrobeats star alongside heavyweights like Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage in one of the ceremony’s most competitive categories.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold later this year in Manchester, United Kingdom, continuing MOBO’s tradition of celebrating music of Black origin across the UK, Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.
Nigeria dominates the Best African Music Act nominations, reinforcing the country’s sustained influence on the global Afrobeats movement.
Best African Music Act – Nominees
- 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)
Major Categories: Full List of 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 ft. Jorja Smith – “Crush”
- Donae’o ft. 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
- DC3Es
- DeeKid
- Finessekid
- Jim Legxacy
- kwn
- namesbliss
- Nia Smith
- Sekou
- Skye Newman
- YT
International & Diaspora Representation
Best International Act
- Ayra Starr
- Cardi B
- Clipse
- Gunna
- Kehlani
- Leon Thomas
- Mariah The Scientist
- Moliy
- Tyla
- Vybz Kartel
Best Caribbean Music Act
- Ayetian
- Lila Iké
- Masicka
- Shenseea
- Vybz Kartel
- Yung Bredda
Music Beyond Charts: Performance, Media & Production
The 2026 nominations also recognize excellence beyond music releases, with categories spanning film, television, media personalities, production, and genre-specific innovation.
Notable nominees include Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Stephen Graham, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, and Inflo, highlighting MOBO’s broad cultural scope.