The MOBO Awards have unveiled nominees across 20 categories for the 2026 ceremony, celebrating standout Black music and culture releases from September 2024 to October 2025.
For the first time, the awards will take place in Manchester as part of MOBO’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The ceremony holds on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena, with tickets now on sale.
Little Simz, Olivia Dean, and rising stars kwn and Jim Legxacy lead this year’s nominations with four nods each. Central Cee, FLO, PinkPantheress, and Skepta follow closely with three nominations apiece across major categories.
The nominations highlight a strong mix of established stars and emerging talent, spanning R&B, hip hop, dance, grime, and experimental sounds. The Best Newcomer category again showcases future stars, while film, TV, and media nominees reflect MOBO’s wider cultural impact.
African and Caribbean music also feature prominently, with Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy, and Vybz Kartel recognised for their global influence.
The 2026 MOBO Awards promise a landmark celebration of Black British excellence, culture, and creativity when the industry gathers in Manchester next March.
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