MOBO Awards 2026 Celebrates Music Excellence in Manchester
The 2026 MOBO Awards, held on Thursday, March 26th, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, delivered a night of spectacular performances and well-deserved recognitions. This year's ceremony was particularly historic as it marked the first time Manchester has hosted the prestigious event in its three-decade history.
A Night of Nigerian Triumph and British Dominance
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean emerged as the undisputed star of the evening, securing three major awards that cemented her status as one of the UK's most prominent musical talents. Dean claimed the coveted titles of Best Female Act, Album of the Year for "The Art of Loving," and Song of the Year for "Man I Need."
Nigeria's music scene received significant international recognition with two major wins. Rising star Ayra Starr captured the Best International Act award, while Afrobeats superstar Wizkid added another Best African Music Act trophy to his already impressive collection. Tiwa Savage further represented Nigeria with a powerful live performance during the ceremony.
Special Honors and Anniversary Celebrations
The 2026 ceremony held special significance as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Organisation. The evening was co-hosted by global hip-hop icon Eve and comedian Eddie Kadi, with performances from Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage, and a special MOBO Salutes: Grime 25 medley featuring Wiley, Chip, Scorcher, D Double E and Nolay.
Beyond the competitive categories, the awards presented special honors that added cultural weight to the anniversary edition. Legendary rapper Slick Rick received the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award, while music producer and artist Pharrell Williams was honored with the MOBO Global Songwriter Award.
Notable Snubs and Complete Winners List
Despite leading nominations alongside Olivia Dean and Jim Legxacy, critically acclaimed artist Little Simz surprisingly left the ceremony without any awards. South African singer Tyla, who had multiple nominations, also failed to secure any wins despite her recent global momentum.
Complete List of 2026 MOBO Award Winners:
- Best Male Act — Jim Legxacy
- Best Female Act — Olivia Dean
- Album of the Year — Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Song of the Year — Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- Best Newcomer — DC3
- Video of the Year — Raye, Where Is My Husband! (Directed by The Reids)
- Best R&B/Soul Act — FLO
- Best Alternative Music Act — Nova Twins
- Best Grime Act — Chip
- Best Hip Hop Act — Central Cee
- Best Drill Act — Twin S
- Best International Act — Ayra Starr
- Best Media Personality — Niko Omilana
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film — Stephen Graham, Adolescence
- Best African Music Act — Wizkid
- Best Caribbean Music Act — Vybz Kartel
- Best Jazz Act — Ezra Collective
- Best Electronic/Dance Act — Sherelle
- Best Gospel Act — DC3
- Best Producer — P2J
The ceremony was livestreamed on the Amazon Music UK channel on Twitch, reaching audiences worldwide and showcasing the continued global influence of Black music and culture.
