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The 2026 MOBO Awards delivered a memorable night of music, culture, and celebration, as top stars from across the globe gathered at Co-op Live in Manchester on March 26.
Marking its 30th anniversary, the prestigious award ceremony made history by hosting the event in Manchester for the first time, further expanding its cultural footprint beyond London.
The ceremony, which was livestreamed via Amazon Music UK on Twitch, was co-hosted by American rapper Eve and British comedian Eddie Kadi, who brought energy and humour to the milestone event.
However, the biggest story of the night belonged to Olivia Dean, who emerged as the standout performer, clinching three of the most coveted awards.
She won Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for Man I Need, solidifying her status as one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary music.
Nigeria also had a strong showing at the awards, reflecting the growing global influence of Afrobeats. Ayra Starr secured the Best International Act award, beating a highly competitive field of global stars. Meanwhile, Wizkid continued his dominance by winning Best African Music Act, adding yet another international accolade to his already decorated career.
The presence of Tiwa Savage on stage, where she performed a preview of her unreleased track “Energy,” further highlighted Nigeria’s influence on the global music scene.
Despite the celebrations, the night also came with a few surprises and notable omissions. Little Simz, who entered the night as one of the most nominated artists, left without any awards, raising eyebrows among fans and critics.
Similarly, South African star Tyla failed to secure a win despite her recent international success, making her absence from the winners’ list one of the evening’s biggest talking points.
Beyond the competitive categories, the ceremony paid tribute to music legends whose contributions have shaped the industry.
Hip-hop icon Slick Rick received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while global music producer and songwriter Pharrell Williams was honoured with the Global Songwriter Award, adding depth and historical significance to the anniversary celebration.
Other winners on the night included Central Cee, who won Best Hip Hop Act, and Chip, who claimed Best Grime Act. FLO took home Best R&B/Soul Act, while Raye won Video of the Year for Where Is My Husband!. In the production category, Nigerian producer P2J was recognised as Best Producer, further reinforcing Nigeria’s strong presence across multiple aspects of the music industry.
Overall, the 2026 MOBO Awards successfully celebrated three decades of Black music excellence while showcasing both emerging talents and established stars.
With standout wins, surprising snubs, and electrifying performances, the night reaffirmed the MOBO Awards’ role as a key platform for recognising and elevating Black artists on the global stage.
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