UMPG nominees for the 2026 MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards, Europe’s biggest and most influential celebration of Black music and culture, has announced the nominees across 20 categories for its 2026 awards. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the MOBOs, with the event to be held in Manchester on 26th March.
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “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. From sharp, socially conscious lyricism to boundary-pushing creativity that defies genre, this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities.”
UMPG published nominees:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMAZON MUSIC FLO - Access All Areas (co-written by Kierran) Little Simz - Lotus (co-written by Miles Clinton James) Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving (co-written by Tobias Jesso Jr, Bastian Langebaek) SONG OF THE YEAR Fred again.., Skepta & Plaqueboymax – “Victory Lap” Olivia Dean – “Man I Need” (co-written by Tobias Jesso Jr.) Pinkpantheress – “Illegal” (sample of Underworld) BEST NEWCOMER Sekou (via North West Songs) Skye Newman BEST HIP HOP ACT Youngs Teflon (via Max Music Publishing) BEST DRILL ACT Pozer BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT Ayra Starr (via Mavin) Mariah The Scientist BEST AFRICAN MUSIC ACT Ayra Starr (Nigeria) (via Mavin) Rema (Nigeria) (via Mavin) BEST PRODUCER Miles Clinton James
Credits
AUTHOR: Universal Music Publishing Group