Olivia Dean and Little Simz lead MOBO 2026 nominations: Read the full list
The event will take place in Manchester this March
Last updated 22 hours ago
The 2026 MOBO Awards will celebrate 30 years of the organisation with a historic first ceremony in Manchester, taking place at Co-op Live on 26th March, with tickets on sale now.
Little Simz, Olivia Dean, kwn and Jim Legxacy lead nominations with four each, alongside multiple nods for Central Cee, FLO, PinkPantheress and Skepta across major categories. The awards span 20 categories, from Best Newcomer and Song of the Year to film/TV and international honours. Your ultimate guide to the 2026 MOBO Awards below:
What are the MOBO Awards?
First established in 1996, the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards are hosted annually in Britain to recognise achievements in black music. The awards celebrate a variety of musical genres, including hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “For 30 years, MOBO has been more than an awards show – it has been a movement, shaping culture, championing creativity, and opening doors for generations of talent. This milestone is a reminder that when you celebrate culture, you don’t just preserve history – you shape the future. Three decades on, the MOBO Awards remain a powerful reminder of how music can inspire, unite, and transform lives. Manchester has always been a city of music and movement, and now, together with MOBO, we will write the next chapter of cultural history.”
When is it?
The MOBO Awards will take place on Thursday 26th March, 2026.
Where will it take place?
For the first time in MOBO history, Europe’s biggest and most influential celebration of Black music and culture will take place in Manchester.
The event will at the Co-op Live, Manchester, England.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We're honoured to have been chosen by MOBO to host their awards in what is such a special year for them as they mark an incredible 30 years of celebrating Black music and culture. As a proudly diverse city that is known the world over as a city of music, creativity and talent, the MOBOs and Manchester are made for each other.
"We have a lot of expertise as a city in delivering world class events with a global reach, and together with our partners at Co-op Live and across the city we're determined to do everything we can to support MOBO in making sure next year's event hits all the right notes and is the very best one yet.
"Recognising and supporting emerging talent and our grassroots music scene in Manchester is also really important to us and we're looking forward to collaborating with MOBO on the MOBO Fringe Festival which is set to provide some amazing and unmissable opportunities for young musicians and others to gain experience, learn from, get involved in and enjoy."
Jessica Koravos, President, Oak View Group International and Director of Co-op Live, said: “Collaborating with Manchester City Council to bring the renowned MOBO Awards to Manchester further honours Co-op Live’s ambition to champion the very best in the industry, to celebrate diversity, and to mirror our host city’s world-famous cultural vibrancy. With Co-op Live, we are delighted to offer a fitting backdrop for MOBO’s prestigious 30th year ceremony, and to further showcase our state of the art, purpose-built venue carefully designed for an event not just this scale, but significance.”
How to get tickets
Tickets are available now via mobo.com/tickets.
Who are the nominees?
This year’s MOBO nominations spotlight a powerful mix of established names and breakthrough talent, celebrating the best in Black British music and culture across 20 categories.
Little Simz, Olivia Dean, kwn and Jim Legxacy lead the pack with four nods each, with Central Cee, FLO, PinkPantheress and Skepta also scoring multiple major nominations.
Read the full list of nominations below:
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 - Adolescence
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
Who is hosting the show?
The 2026 hosts haven't yet been announced.
Former Love Island star Indiyah Polack returned for a second year to host the MOBO Awards in 2025, alongside comedian Eddie Kadi.
How can I watch it?
Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, it's understood the 2026 MOBO Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube, just like they were in 2025.
Who is performing?
Superstar performers and special honourees will be announced soon.
Now check out the biggest tours to look forward to in 2026:
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim has announced eight dates for his 'Acid Ballroom' tour in February 2026, two in each of the cites - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Kesha
'Tik Tok' singer Kesha has announced a new tour for 2026, performing at four UK venues, as well as across Europe in March 2026.
Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne will be going on a tour in April 2026. The tour is called 'My Ego Told Me To Tour' and is in support of her debut solo album 'My Ego Told Me To', which will be released in February. She will be playing dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London as part of a wider European tour.
Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has announced 'The Romantic Tour', named after his album of the same name (due for release in February). The singer will play six dates at Wembley in July 2026.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs for the summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
Now read:
Your ultimate recap of the 2025 MOBO Awards
Jorja Smith: Everything you wanted to know about the 'Be Honest' singer
JADE drops debut solo album sharing super cute childhood pics and videos