Wizkid and Ayra Starr have once again showcased Nigeria's musical prowess by securing prominent awards at the 2026 MOBO Awards.
This year's event commemorated the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Awards and was held at the Co-op Live Arena, marking its first occurrence in Manchester.
The event, which celebrates Black culture and music, was streamed live on Twitch and highlights were aired on BBC One.
It featured performances from various renowned artists, including Olivia Dean and Tiwa Savage, in addition to a medley celebrating 25 years of Grime music, emphasizing the rich diversity and global impact of Black music.
Ayra Starr earned the Best International Act title, outshining global stars like Cardi B, Gunna, and Clipse. This win marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old Mavin Records star, as it is her second consecutive award in this category, following her groundbreaking victory last year when she became the first female African artist to win this honor in 16 years.
On the other hand, Wizkid was celebrated with the Best African Music Act award, overcoming notable competitors such as Davido and Tiwa Savage. This accolade reinforces his influential legacy as a key figure in the global Afrobeats movement.
Other notable Nigerian winners included Niko Omilana, who received the Best Media Personality award, and music producer P2J, who was recognized as the Best Producer for his contributions across Afrobeats, R&B;, and pop music, collaborating with various international stars.
Internationally, British singer Olivia Dean made headlines by winning Best Female Act, Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Loving’, and Song of the Year for ‘Man I Need’. Other noteworthy winners included Central Cee for Best Hip- Hop Act and Raye for Video of the Year.
Special awards were presented to global music legends, with Pharrell Williams obtaining the MOBO Global Songwriter Award and Slick Rick being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2026 ceremony underscored the sustained global acclaim of Afrobeats and the broader influence of Black music, with Nigerian artists significantly shaping the international soundscape.
The winners list for the 2026 MOBO Awards includes:
Best Male Act in Association With Prostate Cancer UK – Jim Legxacy
Best Female Act in Association With Got2b – Olivia Dean
Album of the Year in Association With Amazon Music – Olivia Dean, ‘The Art of Loving’
Song of the Year in Association With 1664 Bière – Olivia Dean – ‘Man I Need’
Best Newcomer – DC3
Video of the Year in Association With Vevo – RAYE, ‘Where is My Husband!’
Best R&B;/Soul Act in Association With Huda Beauty – FLO
Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
Best Grime Act Supported by Trench – Chip
Best Hip-Hop Act – Central Cee
Best Drill Act – Twin S
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Best Media Personality – Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best African Music Act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act – Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Electronic/Dance Act Supported by Bema & Mixmag – Sherelle
Best Gospel Act Supported by Premier Gospel – DC3
Best Producer – P2J
Special Honours:
Mobo Global Songwriter Award – Pharrell Williams
Mobo Lifetime Achievement Award – Slick Rick.
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