The MOBO Awards nominations announces for Manchester Ceremony
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 Year for “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’, and Video 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. Vevo also 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
