Nigerian music stars Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have been nominated for the 2026 MOBO Awards, spotlighting Nigeria’s strong presence on the global Black music stage.
The nominations were announced on Thursday as organisers unveiled contenders across 20 categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held on March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester.
The event marks the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted in the city and coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary.
Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage are nominated in the Best African Music Act category, alongside fellow Nigerians Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi and Adekunle Gold.
Ghana’s Moliy, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and South Africa’s Tyla also feature in the category, reflecting the continued global rise of African music.
Ayra Starr received multiple nominations, earning recognition in both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, where she will compete against global stars including Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna and Vybz Kartel.
Tyla and Moliy also secured nominations in both categories.
In the 2025 edition, Ayra Starr made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award, while also clinching the Best International Music Act title.
The MOBO Awards, widely regarded as Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, recognise outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025.
Speaking on the nominations, MOBO founder and chief executive officer, Kanya King CBE, said the 2026 shortlist reflects the strength, diversity and cultural influence of Black music today.
“As MOBO enters its 30th year, this year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in. Their voices matter, not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future,” King said.
She added that the 2026 nominations represent “one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence in years,” while also highlighting the growing international reach of the awards.
Leading this year’s nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Kwn and Jim Legxacy, who each secured four nominations. Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress and FLO follow closely with three nominations apiece across major categories.
Beyond music, the awards also recognise achievements in film, television and media.
Nominees for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film include Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham for Netflix’s Adolescence, and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.
The ceremony will also be supported by the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long cultural programme in partnership with Manchester City Council, featuring live performances, industry panels and creative workshops ahead of the awards night.
Tickets for the 2026 MOBO Awards are now available via the official MOBO website, with hosts, performers and special honourees set to be announced in the coming weeks.