MOBO Awards 2026: Full Nominations List, Hosts Confirmed, and Event Details
The 2026 MOBO Awards have officially unveiled their nominations, marking a major milestone as the organisation celebrates 30 years of championing Black music and culture. For the first time in its history, the ceremony will take place in Manchester, landing at Co-op Live on 26 March 2026.
The night will be hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, bringing together global star power and UK flair for one of the biggest celebrations of Black culture in Europe.
Leading the nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean, kwn and Jim Legxacy, each receiving four nominations.
Close behind are Central Cee, Skepta, FLO and PinkPantheress, who each earn three nominations, reflecting a year dominated by both established heavyweights and fast rising talent.
FIRST WAVE OF PERFORMERS INCLUDING:
OLIVIA DEAN, FLO and TIWA SAVAGE
2026 MOBO Awards Nominations
Best Male Act
Central Cee
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy
Nemzzz
Odeal
Skepta
Best Female Act
FLO
kwn
Little Simz
Olivia Dean
PinkPantheress
Sasha Keable
Album of the Year
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
Namebliss
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman
YT
Video of the Year
Pozer – Shanghai Noon
FKA twigs – Eusexua
Jim Legxacy – Father
Little Simz – Flood feat. Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly
RAYE – Where Is My Husband!
Skepta & Fred again.. – Back 2 Back
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
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 African Music Act
Adekunle Gold
Ayra Starr
Davido
Joshua Baraka
Moliy
Rema
Shallipopi
Tiëwa Savage
Tyla
Wizkid
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
FKA twigs
Jazzy
Kilimanjaro
PinkPantheress
Salute
Sherelle
Best Gospel Act
Annatoria
DC3
Faith Child
Imrhan
Sondae
Still Shadey
Best Producer
Inflo
Jae5
Miles Clinton James
P2J
Sammy Soso
Zach Nahome
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 or 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 – Adolescence
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
When are the MOBO - 26th March 2026
Time: 6pm
Tickets now on sale - Here
