Ayra Starr Leads Nigerian Presence as 2026 MOBO Awards Nominees Are Unveiled

Nigerian artists have taken centre stage at the 2026 MOBO Awards nominations, dominating the Best African Music Act category while also securing a prestigious Best International Act nomination.

Stars including Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi headline the African category, with Ayra Starr also flying Nigeria’s flag internationally underscoring Afrobeats’ growing global influence ahead of the awards ceremony in Manchester this March.

The nominations, announced ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 26 March 2026 in Manchester, underline Nigeria’s continued influence on global Black music and the expanding reach of Afrobeats worldwide.

Best African Music Act: Strong Nigerian Presence

The Best African Music Act category is heavily stacked with Nigerian stars, reflecting the country’s sustained dominance in African and global music. Nominees include:

• Adekunle Gold
• Ayra Starr
• Davido
• Rema
• Shallipopi
• Tiwa Savage
• Wizkid

Also nominated are Joshua Baraka and Moliy, adding further continental representation.

The category showcases a broad spectrum of Nigerian sounds, from Afrobeats and Afropop to street-inspired and alternative influences. Industry observers say the strong Nigerian showing reflects the genre’s commercial power, international touring success, and growing crossover appeal in Europe and North America.

Best International Act: Ayra Starr Flies the Nigerian Flag

In the Best International Act category, Ayra Starr stands out as the sole Nigerian nominee, competing against global heavyweights including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Tyla, and Vybz Kartel.

Her nomination highlights a breakout international year marked by strong streaming numbers, global chart appearances, and increased visibility across major music markets. It also signals growing recognition of Nigerian artists beyond African-focused categories, as they increasingly contend on equal footing with mainstream international stars.

MOBO Awards at 30

The 2026 ceremony marks the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Awards, founded in 1996 by Kanya King to celebrate music of Black origin. Over the years, the awards have played a pivotal role in elevating African and diaspora artists to global audiences.

Winners will be announced at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, with performances and presenters expected to be revealed closer to the event.

2026 Mobo Awards: The nominations list in full

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
• 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

• DC3
• EsDeeKid
• Finessekid
• Jim Legxacy
• Kwn
• Namesbliss
• Nia Smith
• Sekou
• Skye Newman
• YT

Video of the year

• Pozer – Shanghigh Noon
• FKA Twigs – Eusexua
• Jim Legxacy –
• Little Simz – Flood
• Raye – Where Is My Husband!
• Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back

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 international act

• Ayra Starr
• Cardi B
• Clipse
• Gunna
• Kehlani
• Leon Thomas
• Mariah The Scientist
• Moliy
• Tyla
• Vybz Kartel

ADVERTISING

Best media personality

• Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
• Dj Ag
• In My Opinion
• Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissas 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 – Adolesence
• Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

Best African music act

• Adekunle Gold
• Ayra Starr
• Davido
• Joshua Baraka
• Moliy
• Rema
• Shallipopi
• Tiwa Savage
• Tyla
• Wizkid

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 act

• FKA Twigs
• Jazzy
• Kilimanjaro
• Pinkpantheress
• Salute
• Sherelle

Best gospel act

• Annatoria
• DC3
• Faith Child
• Imrhan
• Sondae
• Still Shadey

Best producer

• Inflo
• Jae5
• Miles Clinton James
• P2J
• Sammy Soso
• Zach Nahome

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