2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

16 January 2026 - Press release

EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE COMES TO CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON 26 MARCH

 

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS 

2026 MARKS 30 YEARS OF THE MOBO ORGANISATION, THREE DECADES OF SHIFTING CULTURE, CHAMPIONING TALENT AND CREATING ICONIC MOMENTS

SHOW HOSTS, SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS AND SPECIAL HONOUREES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

 

LITTLE SIMZ, OLIVIA DEAN, KWN AND JIM LEGXACY ARE THIS YEAR’S MOST NOMINATED ARTISTS WITH FOUR NOMINATIONS EACH

LITTLE SIMZ AND OLIVIA DEAN BOTH UP FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMAZON MUSIC AND BEST FEMALE ACT IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b

CENTRAL CEE AND SKEPTA AND EARN THREE NOMINATIONS EACH, INCLUDING BEST MALE ACT IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK

PINK PANTHERESS AND FLO UP FOR THREE AWARDS EACH

STEPHEN GRAHAM AND ASHLEY WALTERS FROM NETFLIX’S ADOLESCENCE, AND WICKED STAR CYNTHIA ERIVO UP FOR BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TV SHOW/FILM

The MOBO Awards, Europe’s biggest and most influential celebration of Black music and culture, today announces the nominees across 20 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognising outstanding talent and releases from 1 September 2024 to 1 October 2025.

For the first time in its history, the MOBO Awards will take place in Manchester, as part of the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The 2026 Awards will be held on Thursday 26 March, live from Co-op Live, the UK’s newest and largest live entertainment arena. Tickets are available now via mobo.com/tickets.

Audiences can expect an unforgettable night of electrifying performances, powerful tributes and culture-shaping moments, with show hosts, superstar performers and special honourees to be revealed soon.

Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “As MOBO enters its 30th year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of talent we have championed over the past three decades. Time and again, artists have taken the recognition of a MOBO Award and transformed it into fuel for lasting success.

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. From sharp, socially conscious lyricism to boundary-pushing creativity that defies genre, this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities.

The 2026 nominations represent one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence we’ve seen in years. Spanning R&B, dance-electronic, and experimental rap, what unites these artists is the power of their storytelling, their confidence and cultural impact. Congratulations to all our nominees — we can’t wait to celebrate with you in Manchester.”

Leading this year’s nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean and rising stars kwn and Jim Legxacy, each earning four nominations. 

Three-time MOBO Award winner Little Simz continues her standout run with four nominations this year. She is recognised for Album of the Year in association with Amazon Music for the critically acclaimed Lotus, Best Female Act in association with got2b, Best Hip Hop Act, and Video of the Year in association with Vevo for “Flood”, featuring Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly and directed by Salomon Ligthelm.

Olivia Dean earns four nominations this year, including Album of the Year in association with Amazon Music for the chart-topping The Art of Loving, Best Female Act in association with got2b, Best R&B/Soul Act, and Song of the Yearfor “Man I Need.”

kwn cements her place as one of the UK’s most exciting new R&B stars to watch. The hotly-tipped London-born artist is up for Best Newcomer, Best Female Act in association with got2b, Best R&B/Soul, and Song of The Year for ‘Do What I Say’.

Lewisham-born rapper, singer and producer Jim Legxacy continues his ascent with four nominations, including Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK, Best Newcomer, Song of the Year for his collaboration with Dave, ‘3X’, andVideo of The Year in association with Vevo for “Father.”

Central Cee, FLO, PinkPantheress and Skepta score three nominations each in heavily-coveted categories. 

One of the most decorated rappers in MOBO Awards history, Central Cee earns three nominations this year, including Album of the Year in association with Amazon Music for the chart-topping Can’t Rush Greatness, Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK, and Best Hip Hop Act.

R&B trio FLO and experimental electronic artist and producer PinkPantheress continue their ascent, earning nominations across some of the ceremony’s most prestigious categories. FLO is recognised for Album of the Year in association with Amazon Music for their critically acclaimed debut Access All Areas, Best Female Act in association with got2b, and Best R&B/Soul Act. PinkPantheress receives nominations for Best Female Act in association with got2b, Best Electronic/Dance Act supported by BEMA & Mixmag and Song of the Year for the viral hit “Illegal”.

Grime legend and multi-disciplinary creative Skepta earns nominations for Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK, Video of the Year in association with Vevo for Back 2 Back, which he co-directed with Domamanic, and Song of the Year for “Victory Lap” alongside Fred again.. and PlaqueBoyMax.

At the heart of MOBO’s mission is championing emerging talent, and each year the Best Newcomer category is widely regarded as one of the industry’s strongest indicators of future stars. This year’s ten nominees spotlight a new generation of boundary-pushing voices shaping the UK’s sound, from Scouse sensation EsDeeKid to London’s rising underground figures Jim Legxacy, Finessekid and YT.

The breadth of talent on display reflects the diversity and individuality defining today’s emerging scene. From the striking new voice of Skye Newman and Northampton’s teenage gospel-rap artist DC3, to the reggae-inflected soul of Nia Smith, the genre-blending lyricism of Namebliss and Leicester-born, retro-leaning R&B artist Sekou, the future of UK music has never looked more exciting.

While rooted in music, the MOBO Awards also recognise outstanding cultural contributions across film and television. This year, Netflix’s acclaimed series Adolescence receives two nominations for Best Performance in a TV Show / Film, recognising Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham, alongside nominations for Cynthia Erivo for Wicked and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners. Together, these nominations reflect the depth, range and impact of diverse talent shaping today’s screen storytelling.

Recognising the personalities, broadcasters, content creators and podcasters who shape and reflect culture year-round, MOBO’s Best Media Personality category spotlights some of the most influential voices in today’s media landscape. This year’s nominees include DJ AG, known for his viral DJ sets outside King’s Cross Station featuring surprise appearances from artists including Skepta and Ciara; TikTok sensation Bemi Orojuogun, also known as “Bus Aunty”; fashion stylist and content creator Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe of Melissa’s Wardrobe; and the popular podcasters behind In My Opinion and Winners Talking.

Ayra Starr, Tyla and Moliy each receive two nominations across Best African Music Act and Best International Act, reflecting the continued global rise of a new generation of African female stars. Meanwhile, King of Dancehall and 2025 MOBO Impact Award recipient Vybz Kartel is also recognised with nominations for Best Caribbean Music Act and Best International Act.

The MOBO Awards celebrate the most exciting talent shaping music of Black origin today, spanning categories including Best Alternative Music Act, Best Grime Act supported by TRENCH, Best Drill Act, Best African Music Act, Best Caribbean Music Act, Best Jazz Act, Best Electronic/Dance Act supported by BEMA & Mixmag, Best Gospel Act supported by Premier Gospel, and Best Producer.

MOBO is also delighted to welcome new sponsors for the 2026 MOBO Awards.Amazon Music joins as the sponsor of Album of the Year. They join previously announced returning partners Prostate Cancer UK and got2b. Prostate Cancer UK continues its vital role as the Official Men’s Health Charity Partner and sponsor of the Best Male Act category, raising essential awareness of the higher risk of prostate cancer among Black men and campaigning to address health inequalities across the UK. Meanwhile, got2b returns as the Official Hairstyling Partner and sponsor of the Best Female Act category, championing individuality, self-expression and creativity on one of the biggest nights in music and culture. Vevoalso joins as a partner this year, sponsoring Video of the Year and supporting the category’s focus on visual excellence. 

Select MOBO Awards categories are open to fan voting. For full details, visit voting.mobo.com

 

** FULL LIST OF 2026 MOBO AWARDS NOMINEES BELOW **

Since 2009, the MOBO Awards has proudly paved the way by taking its celebrations to cities across the UK, shining a spotlight on Black music and culture while championing local talent and communities. From London to Liverpool, Leeds to Glasgow, Coventry to Sheffield and Newcastle, MOBO has transformed cities, stages and arenas into cultural hotspots. Now, as the MOBO Organisation steps into its 30th anniversary year, it's bringing the MOBO magic to Manchester, a city globally renowned for its musical movements, creative spirit and cultural influence.

Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is also collaborating with Manchester City Council to deliver the  MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long celebration of music, culture, and creativity in the lead-up to the Awards. The free programme will feature industry panels, talent showcases, live performances and creative workshops spanning music, tech, and the arts, creating opportunities for the next generation while spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant local scene. The MOBO Fringe Festival is a vital part of the MOBO Organisations ongoing commitment to celebrating music, arts, and culture while championing local creatives. Building on the success of MOBO Fringe 2025 in Newcastle, which drew thousands of attendees and delivered an estimated £1 million+ in combined economic and social impact for the city and wider North East region, the Manchester programme promises an exciting, citywide celebration designed to energise the city, empower communities and inspire audiences nationwide.

 

2026 MOBO AWARDS NOMINEES

BEST MALE ACT IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK 

CENTRAL CEE

ELMIENE

JIM LEGXACY 

NEMZZZ

ODEAL

SKEPTA

 

BEST FEMALE ACT IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b

FLO

KWN 

LITTLE SIMZ

OLIVIA DEAN

PINKPANTHERESS

SASHA KEABLE 

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMAZON MUSIC

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 IN ASSOCIATION WITH VEVO

POZER - 'SHANGHIGH 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 SUPPORTED BY TRENCH

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 - ADOLESENCE 

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 SUPPORTED BY BEMA & MIXMAG

FKA TWIGS 

JAZZY 

KILIMANJARO 

PINKPANTHERESS

SALUTE

SHERELLE 

 

BEST GOSPEL ACT SUPPORTED BY PREMIER GOSPEL

ANNATORIA 

DC3

FAITH CHILD 

IMRHAN 

SONDAE  

STILL SHADEY 

 

BEST PRODUCER

INFLO

JAE5 

MILES CLINTON JAMES 

P2J 

SAMMY SOSO

ZACH NAHOME