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.”

The UMPG published nominees are: 

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