The MOBO Awards, Europe’s biggest and most influential celebration of Black music and culture, was held last night at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. 2026 is a landmark year for the awards, as the MOBO organisation celebrates 30 years of shaping culture and championing talent. 

Four UMPG songwriters and artists were honoured at this year’s ceremony. 

Slick Rick received the Lifetime Achievement Award – honouring a true original and a storyteller whose style, vision and voice helped shape hip-hop as we know it. 

UMPG songwriters Zach Nahome and Tobias Jesso Jr. were both recognised for their contribution to Olivia Dean’s album The Art of Loving  - which won Album of The Year, and for co-writing her UK No. 1 single “Man I Need” – awarded Song of the Year.

Ayra Starr (Mavin) took home the prestigious award for Best International Act. She emerged as the most streamed Nigerian female artist on Spotify in 2024 and made history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to debut on the Billboard 200.

Congratulations to all our winning songwriters and artists!