Olivia Dean has cemented her status as a leading figure in contemporary music by securing three prestigious awards at the 2026 Mobo ceremony. The British singer-songwriter triumphed in the categories of best female act, album of the year for The Art of Loving, and song of the year for her chart-topping single Man I Need. This remarkable achievement follows an already stellar year for Dean, who recently won best new act at the Grammys and collected four awards at the Brit Awards earlier this month.
Celebrating Black Music Excellence
The Mobo awards, now in their 30th year, honour the finest contributions to black music across various genres. Held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, the event showcased a vibrant lineup of performers and recognised outstanding talent from both established and emerging artists.
Notable Winners and Honourees
Among the other distinguished winners were Raye, who took home video of the year for Where Is My Husband, and Central Cee, awarded best hip-hop act. The jazz category was won by Ezra Collective, highlighting the diversity of musical styles celebrated at the ceremony.
Special lifetime achievement recognition was bestowed upon Slick Rick, the influential British-American rapper and producer with a career spanning over four decades. His 2025 album Victory, released after a 26-year hiatus, received a warm reception from fans despite mixed critical reviews.
American producer Pharrell Williams received the global songwriter award, acknowledging his enduring impact through hits like Happy and Get Lucky with Daft Punk, both from 2013, which remain radio staples.
Rising Stars and Cross-Genre Talent
Best male act was awarded to Jim Legxacy, a 25-year-old rapper from Lewisham who blends grime and R&B, drawing inspiration from artists such as MF Doom and Frank Ocean. His 2025 mixtape Black British Music featured collaborations with notable artists including Dave and Fimiguerrero.
In the television and film category, Stephen Graham won best performance for his role in Adolescence, a drama shot in single takes that explores a family's turmoil after their son is accused of murder.
Complete List of 2026 Mobo Award Winners
- Best male act – Jim Legxacy
- Best female act – Olivia Dean
- Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- Best newcomer – DC3
- Video of the year – Raye, Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)
- Best R&B/soul act – Flo
- Best alternative music act – Nova Twins
- Best grime act – Chip
- Best hip-hop act – Central Cee
- Best drill act – Twin S
- Best international act – Ayra Starr
- Best media personality – Niko Omilana
- Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
- Best African music act – Wizkid
- Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel
- Best jazz act – Ezra Collective
- Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle
- Best gospel act – DC3
- Best producer – P2J
- Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams
- Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick
The 2026 Mobo awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the rich tapestry of black British culture and its global influence. With Olivia Dean at the forefront, the event highlighted a new generation of artists poised to shape the future of music while honouring the legends who paved the way.
