Among the standout nominees is Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr, who earned nominations in both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, reaffirming her growing influence on the global music scene. Her latest recognition follows a historic win at the previous edition, where she became the first African woman to clinch both categories in the same year.
The newly unveiled shortlist features a diverse pool of artists spanning four continents, reflecting the MOBO Awards’ continued commitment to celebrating music of Black origin worldwide.
Nigeria recorded a strong presence on the list, with top acts including Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Rema, and Shallipopi each securing a nomination in their respective categories.
The 2026 ceremony holds special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Awards. The milestone event is scheduled to take place on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, and is expected to draw major attention from the global music industry.
FULL LIST:
Best Male Act
- Skepta
- Elmiene
- Jim Legxacy
- Central Cee
- Nemzzz
- Odeal
- Pinkpantheress
- Kwn
- Little Simz
- Flo
- Sasha Keable
- Olivia Dean
- DC3
- EsDeeKid
- Finessekid
- Kwn
- Namesbliss
- YT
- Nia Smith
- Sekou
- Skye Newman
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – Victory Lap
- Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x
- Kwn – Do What I Say
- Myles Smith – Nice To Meet You
- AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
- Donaeo Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
- Pinkpantheress – Illegal
- Tim Duzit – Kat Slater
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- Flo – Access All Areas
- Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
- Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
- Little Simz – Lotus
- Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
- Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
- Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Pozer – Shanghigh Noon
- FKA Twigs – Eusexua
- Jim Legxacy –
- Little Simz – Flood
- Odeal
- Olivia Dean
- Elmiene
- Flo
- Kwn
- Sasha Keable
- Hak Baker
- Michael Kiwanuka
- Alt Blk Era
- Blood Orange
- Nova Twins
- Rachel Chinouriri
- Chip
- Ruff Sqwad
- Scorcher
- Wiley
- Jayahadadream
- Kasst 8
- Central Cee
- D-Block Europe
- Kojey Radical
- Little Simz
- Aitch
- Asco
- Catch
- Loyle Carner
- Youngs Teflon
- Wretch 32
- Booter Bee
- Chy Cartier
- Esdeekid
- Nemzzz
- Pozer
- 36
- Twin S
- Wohdee
- K-Trap
- Leostaytrill
- Gunna
- Clipse
- Kehlani
- Leon Thomas
- Ayra Starr
- Cardi B
- Tyla
- Vybz Kartel
- Mariah The Scientist
- Moliy
- Niko Omilana
- Pk Humble
- Remi Burgz
- Uche Natori
- Winners Talking
- Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
- Dj Ag
- In My Opinion
- Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissas Wardrobe)
- Nadia Jae
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King
- Ashley Thomas – Hostage
- Ashley Walters – Adolescence
- Lennie James – Mr Loverman
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
- Stephen Graham – Adolesence
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
- Damson Idris – F1
- Dayo Koleosho – Eastenders
- Ayra Starr
- Davido
- Joshua Baraka
- Moliy
- Rema
- Shallipopi
- Tiwa Savage
- Tyla
- Adekunle Gold
- Vybz Kartel
- Ayetian
- Lila Iké
- Masicka
- Shenseea
- Yung Bredda
- Cktrl
- Ego Ella May
- Ezra Collective
- Kokoroko
- Nubya Garcia
- Yazmin Lacey
- FKA Twigs
- Jazzy
- Kilimanjaro
- Pinkpantheress
- Salute
- Sherelle
- Faith Child
- Annatoria
- DC3
- Imrhan
- Sondae
- Still Shadey
- Jae5
- Miles Clinton James
- P2J
- Inflo
- Sammy Soso
- Zach Nahome