MOBO Awards 2026: Full nominees list as the ceremony heads to Manchester!

The nominees for the 2026 MOBO Awards have officially been revealed, setting the stage for one of the most exciting celebrations of Black music and culture in recent years. With major names like Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress and Central Cee leading the charge, this year’s shortlist reflects both chart dominance and boundary-pushing creativity.

Adding to the significance, the 2026 MOBO Awards will be held in Manchester this March - a move that mirrors the nationwide impact and diversity of the culture MOBO continues to represent.

Below is the full breakdown of this year’s nominees, category by category.

Best Male Act - This category highlights some of the most influential male artists shaping the UK sound right now. From chart-topping rap stars to soulful storytellers, the nominees reflect versatility, consistency, and cultural impact.

Nominees:

• Central Cee

• Elmiene

• Jim Legxacy

• Nemzzz

• Odeal

• Skepta

Best Female Act - The Best Female Act category is stacked with artists who continue to redefine excellence across R&B, pop, rap, and soul. Each nominee brings a distinct voice and artistic identity to the forefront.

Nominees:

• FLO

• Kwn

• Little Simz

• Olivia Dean

• PinkPantheress

• Sasha Keable

Album of the Year - These projects defined the past year sonically and emotionally, offering cohesive bodies of work that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

Nominees:

• 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 - From chart anthems to emotionally charged records, this category celebrates songs that captured moments, emotions, and conversations across the year.

Nominees:

• 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 - MOBO continues to spotlight the next generation, and this year’s Best Newcomer category is filled with rising talent poised to define the future of UK music.

Nominees:

• DC3

• EsDeeKid

• Finessekid

• Jim Legxacy

• Kwn

• Namesbliss

• Nia Smith

• Sekou

• Skye Newman

• YT

Video of the Year - Visual storytelling remains a crucial part of modern music, and these nominees pushed creativity, concept, and execution to new heights.

Nominees:

• Pozer – Shanghai Noon

• FKA Twigs – Eusexua

• Jim Legxacy – TBC

• Little Simz – Flood

• Raye – Where Is My Husband!

• Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back

Best R&B / Soul Act - This category honours artists keeping soul at the heart of contemporary music, blending timeless emotion with modern production.

Nominees:

• Elmiene

• FLO

• Kwn

• Odeal

• Olivia Dean

• Sasha Keable

Best Alternative Music Act - From genre-blurring experimentation to bold artistic statements, these nominees represent the evolving alternative landscape.

Nominees:

• Alt Blk Era

• Blood Orange

• Hak Baker

• Michael Kiwanuka

• Nova Twins

• Rachel Chinouriri

Best Grime Act - A celebration of grime’s legacy and continued evolution, this category features pioneers and modern torchbearers alike.

Nominees:

• Chip

• JAYAHADADREAM

• Kasst 8

• Ruff Sqwad

• Scorcher

• Wiley

Best Hip-Hop Act - UK hip-hop continues to thrive globally, and these nominees represent lyrical excellence, cultural relevance, and sustained success.

Nominees:

• Aitch

• Asco

• Catch

• Central Cee

• D-Block Europe

• Kojey Radical

• Little Simz

• Loyle Carner

• Wretch 32

• Youngs Teflon

Best Drill Act - Drill remains one of the UK’s most dominant sounds, and this category reflects both its underground energy and mainstream reach.

Nominees:

• 36

• Booter Bee

• Chy Cartier

• EsDeeKid

• K-Trap

• Leostaytrill

• Nemzzz

• Pozer

• Twin S

• Wohdee

Best International Act - Global excellence is on full display here, with artists making waves far beyond their home countries.

Nominees:

• Ayra Starr

• Cardi B

• Clipse

• Gunna

• Kehlani

• Leon Thomas

• Mariah The Scientist

• Moliy

• Tyla

• Vybz Kartel

Best Media Personality - This category recognises voices shaping culture beyond music, from broadcasting and commentary to online influence.

Nominees:

• 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 - Celebrating outstanding on-screen performances across film and television.

Nominees:

• 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 African Music Act - A powerful showcase of African artists continuing to influence global soundscapes.

Nominees:

• Adekunle Gold

• Ayra Starr

• Davido

• Joshua Baraka

• Moliy

• Rema

• Shallipopi

• Tiwa Savage

• Tyla

• Wizkid

Best Caribbean Music Act - This category highlights Caribbean talent shaping dancehall, reggae, and beyond.

Nominees:

• Ayetian

• Lila Iké

• Masicka

• Shenseea

• Vybz Kartel

• Yung Bredda

Best Jazz Act - Honouring artists pushing jazz forward while respecting its rich heritage.

Nominees:

• Cktrl

• Ego Ella May

• Ezra Collective

• Kokoroko

• Nubya Garcia

• Yazmin Lacey

Best Electronic Act - From underground club sounds to global electronic hits, these artists define modern electronic music.

Nominees:

• FKA Twigs

• Jazzy

• Kilimanjaro

• PinkPantheress

• Salute

• Sherelle

Best Gospel Act - Celebrating faith-driven music with contemporary influence and soulful delivery.

Nominees:

• Annatoria

• DC3

• Faith Child

• Imrhan

• Sondae

• Still Shadey

Best Producer - Behind every great record is a great producer, and these nominees have shaped some of the year’s biggest sounds.

Nominees:

• Inflo

• Jae5

• Miles Clinton James

• P2J

• Sammy Soso

• Zach Nahome

The 2026 MOBO Awards shortlist reflects a culture that’s thriving, evolving, and expanding far beyond its roots. From breakout newcomers to global superstars, the nominees represent excellence across music, media, and performance. With Manchester hosting the ceremony, this year’s MOBOs feel like a landmark moment - not just celebrating success, but signalling where Black culture in the UK and beyond is headed next.