Ayra, Tyla, and Moliy Secure 2 Nominations each at 2026 MOBO Awards

The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, has revealed its full list of nominees ahead of the ceremony scheduled for 26 March in Manchester, marking a historic first for the city to host the event.

Each year, the MOBOs spotlight excellence in music of Black origin, across genres including hip hop, R&B, soul, grime, and African music, offering a significant platform for artists who redefine sound and culture.

This year, African music powerhouses Ayra Starr, Tyla, and Moliy landed two nominations each at the 2026 MOBO Awards, reflecting the continent’s expanding influence on the global stage. Both artists are up for Best International Act and Best African Music Act, underscoring their crossover appeal and impact beyond African markets.

Here is the full nomination list;

Best African Music Act

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Davido (Nigeria)

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Tyla (South Africa)

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Moliy (Ghana)

Joshua Baraka (Uganda)

Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)

Rema (Nigeria)

Best International Act

Ayra Starr

Cardi B

Clipse

Gunna

Kehlani

Leon Thomas

Mariah the Scientist

Moliy

Tyla

Vybz Kartel

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”

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 

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 Dom&Nic 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 

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 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 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 

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 P

JAE5

Miles Clinton James

P2J

Sammy Soso

Zach Nahome

As anticipation builds for the 26 March MOBO Awards ceremony in Manchester, fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see how African artists fare, and whether they can convert these nominations into wins. Either way, their presence alone signals a transformational moment for both African and global music culture.