Arya Starr Lands Two Nods, Wizkid, Davido, and More Included in Lineup

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has secured two prestigious nominations at the upcoming 2026 MOBO Awards, contending for Best African Music Act and Best International Act.

After shattering records as the first African female artist to clinch both titles in a single ceremony last year, Starr faces fierce competition in this year’s star-studded lineup.

The official nominees, announced this week by MOBO organisers, showcase a diverse array of talent spanning multiple genres and regions.

Joining Starr on the nomination list are fellow Nigerian heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Rema, and breakout star Shallipopi.

Marking a milestone 30th anniversary, the 2026 MOBO Awards will take place on March 26 at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live venue.

FULL NOMINEES:

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