The nominations for the prestigious MOBO Awards 2026 have been officially unveiled, with soul sensation Olivia Dean and hip-hop powerhouse Little Simz emerging as the frontrunners. Each artist has secured an impressive four nominations, setting the stage for a highly competitive ceremony.
Manchester Hosts a Milestone Event
The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled for March 26 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. This marks a significant first, as the event has never before been held in the city. The move to Manchester forms a central part of the celebrations for the MOBO Organisation's 30th anniversary year, promising a landmark night for Black music and culture.
Top Contenders and Major Categories
Little Simz receives recognition for her acclaimed album Lotus in the Album of the Year category. She is also shortlisted for Best Female Act, Best Hip Hop Act, and Video of the Year for Flood.
Olivia Dean matches this feat, with her album The Art of Loving contending for Album of the Year. She is also nominated for Best Female Act, Best R'n'B/Soul Act, and Song of the Year for Man I Need.
They are closely followed by a strong group of artists with three nominations each. Central Cee is up for Album of the Year (Can’t Rush Greatness), Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop Act. Girl group FLO's debut Access All Areas earns them a spot in Album of the Year, alongside Best Female Act and Best R'n'B/Soul Act. PinkPantheress is nominated for Best Female Act, Best Electronic/Dance Act and Song of the Year for Illegal, while Skepta is shortlisted for Best Male Act, Video of the Year and Song of the Year.
Spotlight on New Talent and Wider Recognition
The Best Newcomer category showcases ten exciting emerging acts, including kwn, Jim Legxacy, EsDeeKid, and Sekou. Public voting is now officially open for select categories via the official MOBO website at voting.mobo.com.
The awards continue to honour achievements beyond music. In film and television, Netflix's Adolescence has earned two nominations for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for actors Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham. Cynthia Erivo and Wunmi Mosaku are also nominated in this category.
International categories highlight the global influence of Black music, with artists like Ayra Starr, Tyla, and Moliy nominated for both Best African Music Act and Best International Act.
The full list of nominees confirms a vibrant and diverse year for music, with the stage set for an unforgettable 30th-anniversary celebration in Manchester this March.
