MOBO Awards 2026: Nominations Announced
Europe's biggest celebration of black music and culture comes to Co-op Live, Manchester on 26 March. The nominatees have been announced 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.
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.
The MOBO Awards celebrate the most exciting talent shaping music of Black origin, 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.
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”.
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.
We’re still on a high from the excitement of the 2026 MOBO Awards nominees being revealed and can't wait for them to take place at Co-op Live in March.