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Posted By Udokabestluv On January 16th, 2026

Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr has bagged two nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards, earning recognition in both Best African Music Act and Best International Act.

Starr, who made history as the first African woman to win both categories simultaneously last year, is up against another strong list of contenders this year.

The list unveiled by the organisers on Thursday features dozens of artists from across four continents.

Apart from Ayra Starr, other Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Rema, and Shallipopi, also made the cut with one nomination each.

The 2026 MOBO Awards, which coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary, will be held on March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester.

FULL LIST:

Best Male Act

Skepta
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy
Central Cee
Nemzzz
Odeal

Best Female Act

Pinkpantheress
Kwn
Little Simz
Flo
Sasha Keable
Olivia Dean

Best Newcomer

DC3
EsDeeKid
Finessekid
Kwn
Namesbliss
YT
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman

Song Of The Year

Raye – Where Is My Husband!
Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – Victory Lap
Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x
Kwn – Do What I Say
Myles Smith – Nice To Meet You
AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
Donaeo Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
Pinkpantheress – Illegal
Tim Duzit – Kat Slater
Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Album Of The Year

Flo – Access All Areas
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
Little Simz – Lotus
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching

Video Of The Year

Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back
Raye – Where Is My Husband!
Pozer – Shanghigh Noon
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
Jim Legxacy –
Little Simz – Flood

Best R&B/Soul Act

Odeal
Olivia Dean
Elmiene
Flo
Kwn
Sasha Keable

Best Alternative Music Act

Hak Baker
Michael Kiwanuka
Alt Blk Era
Blood Orange
Nova Twins
Rachel Chinouriri

Best Grime Act

Chip
Ruff Sqwad
Scorcher
Wiley
Jayahadadream
Kasst 8

Best Hip-hop Act

Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Kojey Radical
Little Simz
Aitch
Asco
Catch
Loyle Carner
Youngs Teflon
Wretch 32

Best Drill Act

Booter Bee
Chy Cartier
Esdeekid
Nemzzz
Pozer
36
Twin S
Wohdee
K-Trap
Leostaytrill

Best International Act

Gunna
Clipse
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Ayra Starr
Cardi B
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy

Best Media Personality

Niko Omilana
Pk Humble
Remi Burgz
Uche Natori
Winners Talking
Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
Dj Ag
In My Opinion
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissas Wardrobe)
Nadia Jae

Best Performance In A TV Show / Film

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King
Ashley Thomas – Hostage
Ashley Walters – Adolescence
Lennie James – Mr Loverman
Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
Stephen Graham – Adolesence
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Damson Idris – F1
Dayo Koleosho – Eastenders

Best African Act

Ayra Starr
Davido
Joshua Baraka
Moliy
Rema
Shallipopi
Tiwa Savage
Tyla
Adekunle Gold

Best Caribbean Music Act

Vybz Kartel
Ayetian
Lila Iké
Masicka
Shenseea
Yung Bredda

Best Jazz Act

Cktrl
Ego Ella May
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Nubya Garcia
Yazmin Lacey

Best Electronic Act

FKA Twigs
Jazzy
Kilimanjaro
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Sherelle

Best Gospel Act

Faith Child
Annatoria
DC3
Imrhan
Sondae
Still Shadey

Best Producer

Jae5
Miles Clinton James
P2J
Inflo
Sammy Soso
Zach Nahome.