The organisers of the MOBO Awards 2026 have unveiled the full list of nominees ahead of the ceremony, and African music, particularly Nigeria’s Afrobeats movement, has once again secured a powerful spotlight.
Superstars Ayra Starr and Wizkid headline a long list of African and global acts recognised for their impact over the past year.
Scheduled to hold in March 2026 in Manchester, the awards mark a landmark edition celebrating three decades of the MOBOs’ influence in championing music and culture of Black origin. This year’s nominations reflect the growing global reach of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and Caribbean sounds, with artists from Africa, the UK, the US, and the Caribbean well represented.
Ayra Starr continues her impressive international run with nominations in Best International Act and Best African Music Act, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential new-generation stars. She is joined in the African category by heavyweight Nigerian acts Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi, highlighting Nigeria’s sustained dominance on the global music stage.
The Best International Act category is stacked with global stars, placing African acts side by side with leading names from the US and Caribbean, including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Mariah The Scientist, Tyla, Moliy, and Vybz Kartel—a testament to the MOBOs’ expanding international scope.
Beyond performance categories, Nigerian creatives are also making waves behind the scenes. Acclaimed producer P2J earned a nomination in Best Producer, while Nigerian-born media personality Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty) was recognised in the Best Media Personality category, reflecting the growing influence of African voices across entertainment media.
UK acts dominate several homegrown categories, with Little Simz and Olivia Dean emerging as multiple nominees, alongside artists such as Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress, kwn, and Jim Legxacy, showcasing the depth and diversity of Black British music.
FULL LIST (Selected Categories)
Best African Music Act
Ayra Starr
Wizkid
Davido
Rema
Tiwa Savage
Adekunle Gold
Shallipopi
Best International Act
Ayra Starr
Cardi B
Gunna
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Best Producer
P2J
(others)
Best Media Personality
Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
(others)
(UK and additional category nominees include Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress, kwn, Jim Legxacy, among others.)
As anticipation builds toward the ceremony, the 2026 MOBO Awards nominations underline a clear message: African music—led strongly by Nigeria—remains a central force shaping the sound and culture of global popular music.
