Who is performing at the MOBO Awards 2026?

Europe’s leading celebration of Black music and culture is heading to Manchester, as the MOBO Awards mark a major milestone in 2026. For the first time ever, the ceremony will be staged at Co-op Live on Thursday 26 March, forming a key part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

What’s new for 2026?
This year’s event isn’t just about the awards night itself. The MOBO Organisation is expanding its presence in Manchester with a series of lead-up events, including industry panels, community workshops, and live showcases spotlighting emerging local talent. This broader programme aims to leave a lasting legacy in the city, connecting artists, fans, and industry professionals beyond the main stage.

With a strong and diverse pool of nominees and a landmark new location, the 2026 MOBO Awards are shaping up to be one of the most impactful editions yet – celebrating not just music, but culture, identity, and the future of Black British creativity.

Special performances

This year, the ceremony will include performances from the following artists:

• Shenseea
• Estelle
• Slick Rick
• Aitch
• Myles Smith
• Wiley
• D Double E
• Scorcher
• Nolay
• Chip
• DJ Target
• Olivia Dean
• FLO
• Tiwa Savage

With excitement building around this landmark 30th anniversary celebration, tickets for the 2026 MOBO Awards are in high demand. Club Sports and Events has a handful of tickets remaining for The AMP Club. The AMP Club at Co-op Live is a premium hospitality experience. It offers exclusive benefits including private entrance, access to the Atrium Club on Level 2, designated luxury seating, and pre/post-show dining. If you’d like tickets to see the 2026 MOBO Awards and this incredible lineup, book your tickets here.

Full List of Nominations for the 2026 MOBO  Awards:

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 – ‘Shanghai 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