Stars from across the music industry are converging on Manchester for the highly anticipated MOBO Awards 2026, an annual event that honours black music and culture. This year's ceremony, held at the Co-op Live venue, marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the awards' 30th anniversary, alongside the 25th birthday of the grime genre.
A Star-Studded Lineup and Historic Moments
The evening is hosted by hip-hop legend Eve and comedian Eddie Kadi, known for his appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. Performances are set to feature acclaimed artists including Olivia Dean, Tiwa Savage, and the group FLO, promising a night of vibrant entertainment.
Special Grime Medley and Milestone Celebrations
A specially curated grime medley, overseen by DJ Target, will be a highlight, commemorating the genre's official 25th anniversary. This performance is expected to be a pivotal moment in British music history, reflecting the awards' ongoing influence.
MOBO Group founder Kanya King OBE emphasised the event's importance when announcing the 2026 location in November, stating, "For 30 years, MOBO has been more than an awards show – it has been a movement, shaping culture, championing creativity, and opening doors for generations of talent." She added, "This milestone is a reminder that when you celebrate culture, you don't just preserve history - you shape the future."
Nominees and How to Watch
Key categories include Best Male Act and Best Female Act, with nominees such as Central Cee, Skepta, Little Simz, and Pinkpantheress. The ceremony will be live-streamed by Amazon Music on Twitch, starting at 8pm on 26 March 2026, ensuring fans worldwide can tune in.
Additional performances include Moston rapper Aitch, fresh from his I'm A Celebrity stint, adding to the diverse lineup. The event underscores Manchester's reputation as a city of music and movement, with Kanya King noting, "Manchester has always been a city of music and movement, and now, together with MOBO, we will write the next chapter of cultural history."
As the MOBO Awards continue to inspire and unite through music, this 30th anniversary edition promises to be a memorable celebration of cultural heritage and future innovation.
