Nigerian superstars Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage have earned nominations for the 2026 MOBO Awards, further emphasizing Nigeria’s growing influence on the global Black music scene.
The nominations were unveiled on Thursday, with organisers revealing contenders across 20 categories ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026. The event will take place at Co-op Live in Manchester, marking the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted in the city. The ceremony also coincides with the awards’ 30th anniversary.
Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage are all listed in the Best African Music Act category, where they will compete alongside fellow Nigerian acts Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi and Adekunle Gold.
Ayra Starr emerged as one of the most recognised Nigerian nominees, securing nods in both the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories. In the latter, she will go head-to-head with international stars such as Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna and Vybz Kartel.
Read Also: President Tinubu Lauds Rema, Shallipopi, Others
At the 2025 MOBO Awards, Ayra Starr made history as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, while also taking home the Best International Music Act award.
Reacting to the announcement, MOBO founder and chief executive officer, Kanya King CBE, said the 2026 nominations reflect the vibrancy and far-reaching impact of Black music today.
“As MOBO enters its 30th year, this year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in. Their voices matter, not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future,” King said.
She further described the 2026 shortlist as “one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence in years,” while also pointing to the expanding global footprint of the awards.
The MOBO Awards, short for Music of Black Origin Awards, are widely regarded as Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, recognising outstanding achievements across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, reggae, gospel, jazz, grime and Afrobeats. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King CBE, the awards were created to honour artists of Black origin who have often been underrepresented in mainstream award platforms, while also spotlighting the cultural impact of Black music globally.
