The nominations for the 2026 MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards are officially in, marking another major moment for Black music and culture in the UK.
This year’s ceremony will take place on March 26 in Manchester, with the celebrations heading to the Co-op Live Arena — one of the city’s biggest stages. As the MOBOs enter their 30th year, the awards continue to spotlight both established names and rising stars shaping the sound of today.
Leading the pack are Little Simz, kwn, Olivia Dean, and Jim Legxacy, who each picked up four nominations. Jim Legxacy stands out with nods for Best Male Act, Best Newcomer, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year. Close behind are Skepta, Central Cee, FLO, and PinkPantheress, each earning three nominations. PinkPantheress also appears in the Best Dance and Electronic Act category, alongside artists such as FKA twigs, KILIMANJARO, salute, Jazzy, and SHERELLE.
The Best Newcomer category reflects MOBO’s continued commitment to emerging talent, with nominations for Esdeekid, Jim Legxacy, Nia Smith, kwn, Finessekid, and Sekou.
Reflecting on the milestone year, MOBO CEO Kanya King highlighted the platform’s long-standing impact, noting how MOBO recognition has often been the spark for long-term success. She described the 2026 nominations as one of the most exciting and diverse line-ups in years, united by powerful storytelling, confidence, and cultural influence.
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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
