Manny Ita
The nominations for the 2026 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards were officially announced on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marking the organization’s 30th anniversary. Nigerian singer Ayra Starr emerged as a prominent contender, securing two major nominations following her historic 2025 win as the first woman in 16 years to be named Best African Music Act. For the upcoming ceremony, she is shortlisted for both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, where she will compete against global artists including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, and Vybz Kartel.
Nigeria maintains a strong presence in the 2026 lineup, particularly in the Best African Music Act category, which features an extensive list of Nigerian talent including Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi. The influence of the Nigerian diaspora also extends into the film and television categories, with British-Nigerian actors Damson Idris and Cynthia Erivo receiving nominations for their respective roles in F1 and Wicked.
The 2026 nominations are led by a group of British artists—Little Simz, Olivia Dean, kwn, and Jim Legxacy—who each earned four nominations. Other significant contenders include Central Cee and Skepta, both of whom secured three nominations, including nods for Best Male Act and Song of the Year. The organization noted that this year’s list reflects a broad spectrum of genres ranging from R&B and dance-electronic to experimental rap.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marking the first time the event will be held in that city. MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE stated, “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.” King added that the 2026 nominations represent “one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence” seen in recent years.
