The MOBO Awards have revealed their 2026 nominees, setting the tone for what promises to be a standout celebration of Black music and culture.
Scheduled for March 26 in Manchester, the ceremony will take over the Co-op Live Arena, bringing together some of the most influential and exciting names across UK music. As MOBO celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s nominations reflect both legacy and the future.
At the top of the list are Little Simz, kwn, Olivia Dean, and Jim Legxacy, each securing four nominations. Jim Legxacy has earned recognition across major categories including Best Male Act, Best Newcomer, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year. Meanwhile, Skepta, Central Cee, FLO, and PinkPantheress follow closely with three nominations apiece. PinkPantheress also features in the Best Dance and Electronic Act category, supported by Mixmag and BEMA, alongside artists such as FKA twigs and SHERELLE.
This year’s Best Newcomer category highlights MOBO’s role in championing the next generation, with nominees including Esdeekid, Nia Smith, Finessekid, Sekou, kwn, and Jim Legxacy.
MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King described the 2026 nominations as a reflection of the strength and diversity of Black British music today. Spanning genres from R&B to electronic and experimental rap, she emphasized the shared cultural impact and storytelling power that connects this year’s nominees.
Best male act
- Central Cee
- Elmiene
- Jim Legxacy
- Nemzzz
- Odeal
- Skepta
Best female act
- Flo
- Kwn
- Little Simz
- Olivia Dean
- Pinkpantheress
- Sasha Keable
Album of the year
- 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
- Donaeo 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
- Pozer – Shanghigh Noon
- FKA Twigs – Eusexua
- Jim Legxacy –
- Little Simz – Flood
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back
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
- 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 (Melissas 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
- Ayra Starr
- Davido
- Joshua Baraka
- Moliy
- Rema
- Shallipopi
- Tiwa Savage
- Tyla
- Wizkid
- 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 act
- FKA Twigs
- Jazzy
- Kilimanjaro
- Pinkpantheress
- Salute
- Sherelle
- Best gospel act
- Annatoria
- DC3
- Faith Child
- Imrhan
- Sondae
- Still Shadey
- Best producer
- Inflo
- Jae5
- Miles Clinton James
- P2J
- Sammy Soso
- Zach Nahome
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