Nigerian music heavyweights Wizkid and Ayra Starr, alongside British-Nigerian media personality Niko Omilana, were among the standout winners at the 2026 MOBO Awards.
The prestigious event, which honours Black music and culture, took place in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Thursday, marking the first time the ceremony has been hosted in the city.
Wizkid emerged winner of the ‘Best African Music Act’ category, beating fellow Nigerian stars Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold.
Ayra Starr also made a strong impression on the global stage, clinching the ‘Best International Act’ award ahead of international acts such as Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani.
In the media category, Niko Omilana was recognised with the ‘Best Media Personality’ award, underscoring his rising profile in entertainment and digital content creation.
The 2026 edition of the MOBO Awards brought together a diverse mix of global talents, celebrating excellence and influence across the music and entertainment industry.
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Full list of winners from the 2026 MOBO Awards:
Best male act
Central Cee
Elmiene
WINNER: Jim Legxacy
Nemzzz
Odeal
Skepta
Best female act
Flo
Kwn
Little Simz
WINNER: 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
WINNER: Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Song of the year
AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith – “Crush”
Donae’o 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”
WINNER: Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
PinkPantheress – “lllegal”
Raye – “Where Is My Husband!”
Tim Duzit – “Kat Slater”
Best newcomer
WINNER: DC3
EsDeeKid
Finessekid
Jim Legxacy
Kwn
namesbliss
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman
YT
Video of the year
Pozer – “Shanghigh Noon” (Directed by Bas Haselager)
FKA Twigs – “Eusexua“ (Directed by Jordan Hemingway)
Jim Legxacy – “’Father“ (Directed by Lauzza)
Little Simz – “Flood“ (Directed by Salomon Lighthelm)
WINNER: Raye – “Where Is My Husband!“ (Directed by The Reids)
Skepta & Fred Again – “Back 2 Back“ (Directed by Domamanic and Skepta)
Best R&B/soul act
Elmiene
WINNER: Flo
Kwn
Odeal
Olivia Dean
Sasha Keable
Best alternative music act
Alt Blk Era
Blood Orange
Hak Baker
Michael Kiwanuka
WINNER: Nova Twins
Rachel Chinouriri
Best grime act
WINNER: Chip
Jayahadadream
Kasst 8
Ruff Sqwad
Scorcher
Wiley
Best hip hop act
Aitch
Asco
Catch
WINNER: 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
WINNER: Twin S
Wohdee
Best international act
WINNER: Ayra Starr
Cardi B
Clipse
Gunna
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Best media personality
Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
DJ AG
In My Opinion
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissa’s Wardrobe)
Nadia Jae
WINNER: 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
WINNER: Stephen Graham – Adolesence
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Best African music act
Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Moliy (Ghana)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
WINNER: Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Caribbean music act
Ayetian
Lila Iké
Masicka
Shenseea
WINNER: Vybz Kartel
Yung Bredda
Best jazz act
Cktrll
Ego Ella May
WINNER: Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Nubya Garcia
Yazmin Lacey
Best electronic/dance act
FKA Twigs
Jazzy
Kilimanjaro
Pinkpantheress
Salute
WINNER: Sherelle
Best gospel act
Annatoria
WINNER: DC3
Faith Child
Imrhan
Sondae
Still Shadey
Best producer
Inflo
Jae5
Miles Clinton James
WINNER: P2J
Sammy Soso
Zach Nahome
Global songwriting award
WINNER: Pharrell Williams
Lifetime achievement award
WINNER: Slick Rick