The MOBO Awards have announced their full list of nominees for the 2026 ceremony, which takes place at Co-op Live on 26 March. Marking 30 years of the organisation, this year’s edition brings together leading artists and newcomers across rap, R&B, jazz, alternative, African and Caribbean music.
Central Cee, Nemzzz, FLO, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Aitch and RAYE feature prominently across major categories including Best Male Act, Best Female Act, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. The shortlist highlights a landmark year for UK talent, with emerging artists such as Jim Legxacy, KWN, EsdeeKid, Sekou and Skye Newman also recognised.
The 2026 ceremony marks three decades of the MOBO organisation, which has become one of Europe’s most influential platforms for celebrating Black music and culture. Tickets for the Manchester event are on sale now, with hosts, performers and special honourees still to be announced.
Here are the nominations for the 2026 awards in full:
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 Orojougun (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 – Adolesence
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
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