The Nigerian music scene is set for a major international spotlight as several of its biggest stars have been shortlisted for the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards. The nominations list, unveiled on Thursday, January 15, 2026, features a powerful contingent of Afrobeats and African pop artists competing for global recognition.
Nigerian Powerhouses in the Best African Music Act Category
The Best African Music Act category has become a stronghold for Nigerian talent. Leading the pack are industry giants Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and David Adeleke, aka Davido. They are joined by the sensational Ayra Starr, the trailblazing Tiwa Savage, and hitmakers Rema, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi.
This category also highlights the pan-African nature of the awards, with Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka, Ghanaian singer Moliy, and South African global phenomenon Tyla completing the nominee list. The inclusion of so many Nigerian artists underscores the country's dominant influence on contemporary African music.
Ayra Starr's Double Honour and International Recognition
In a significant achievement, Ayra Starr has secured a nomination beyond the African category. She is contending for the Best International Act award, a testament to her soaring global profile. In this category, she will face stiff competition from international heavyweights like American rappers Cardi B and Gunna, R&B singer Kehlani, and Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel.
This dual nomination places Ayra Starr among an elite group of artists recognized for both their regional impact and worldwide appeal, signaling her arrival as a bona fide international star.
A Look at Other Key Categories and Nominees
The 2026 MOBO Awards nominations span a wide range of genres, celebrating the breadth of Black music originating from the UK and beyond. The Album of the Year category features works from Central Cee, Ezra Collective, Flo, Kojey Radical, Little Simz, and Olivia Dean.
Other notable categories and some of their nominees include:
- Song of the Year: Tracks by AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith, Fred Again & Skepta, Raye, and PinkPantheress.
- Best Male Act: Central Cee, Skepta, Elmiene.
- Best Female Act: Flo, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, Olivia Dean.
- Best Hip-Hop Act: Aitch, Central Cee, Little Simz, Kojey Radical.
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr, Cardi B, Clipse, Tyla, Gunna.
- Best African Music Act: Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Shallipopi, Tyla.
The awards also honor achievements in media, with personalities like Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty), DJ AG, and Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe nominated for Best Media Personality.
The full list of nominations was officially released on the MOBO Awards' Instagram page, generating excitement among fans worldwide. The upcoming ceremony promises to be a significant event, potentially marking a historic night for Nigerian and African music on a global stage.
