Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi have earned nominations at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, underlining Nigeria’s continued dominance and influence on the global music stage.
The nominations were officially released on Thursday via the MOBO Awards’ verified Instagram page, drawing widespread attention across the African and international music communities. The announcement places Nigerian artistes prominently in several key categories, particularly Best African Music Act, one of the ceremony’s most competitive honors.
Strong Nigerian Presence in African Category
In the Best African Music Act category, Nigerian nominees Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi will compete alongside Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, Ghanaian-American singer Moliy, and South African global breakout star Tyla.
The category reflects the growing global appeal of African music, with Afrobeats and its offshoots continuing to shape international charts, festivals, and award platforms.
Ayra Starr Secures International Nomination
Beyond the African category, Ayra Starr earned an additional high-profile nomination in the Best International Act category. She will compete against major global names including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Vybz Kartel, Tyla, Clipse, and Mariah The Scientist.
Her inclusion further signals the expanding global reach of Nigerian female artistes and the increasing recognition of Afrobeats-influenced pop on international award circuits.
About the MOBO Awards
Founded in 1996, the MOBO Awards celebrate excellence in music of Black origin across the United Kingdom, Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider diaspora. Over nearly three decades, the awards have become a major platform for recognizing emerging and established talents, often serving as a gateway to wider global exposure.
Past winners and nominees from Africa have credited the MOBOs for elevating African music into mainstream international conversations.
2026 MOBO Awards – Full List of Nominations
Best Male Act
- Central Cee
- Elmiene
- Jim Legxacy
- Nemzzz
- Odeal
- Skepta
Best Female Act
- FLO
- Kwn
- Little Simz
- 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
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Song of the Year
- AJ Tracey ft. Jorja Smith – Crush
- Donaeo ft. 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
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- PinkPantheress – Illegal
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Tim Duzit – Kat Slater
Best Newcomer
- DC3
- EsDeeKid
- Finessekid
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Namesbliss
- Nia Smith
- Sekou
- Skye Newman
- YT
Video of the Year
- Pozer – Shanghai Noon
- FKA Twigs – Eusexua
- Jim Legxacy – (title not listed)
- Little Simz – Flood
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back
Best R&B / Soul Act
- Elmiene
- FLO
- Kwn
- Odeal
- Olivia Dean
- Sasha Keable
Best Alternative Music Act
- Alt Blk Era
- Blood Orange
- Hak Baker
- Michael Kiwanuka
- Nova Twins
- Rachel Chinouriri
Best Grime Act
- Chip
- Jayahadadream
- Kasst 8
- Ruff Sqwad
- Scorcher
- Wiley
Best Hip-Hop Act
- Aitch
- Asco
- Catch
- 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
- Twin S
- Wohdee
Best International Act
- 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
- 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
- Stephen Graham – Adolescence
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Best African Music Act
- Adekunle Gold
- Ayra Starr
- Davido
- Joshua Baraka
- Moliy
- Rema
- Shallipopi
- Tiwa Savage
- Tyla
- Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act
- Ayetian
- Lila Iké
- Masicka
- Shenseea
- Vybz Kartel
- 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
- Annatoria
- DC3
- Faith Child
- Imrhan
- Sondae
- Still Shadey
Best Producer
- Inflo
- Jae5
- Miles Clinton James
- P2J
- Sammy Soso
- Zach Nahome
Organizers are yet to announce the date and venue for the 2026 ceremony, but anticipation is already building, particularly around Africa’s strong representation across multiple headline categories.
With Nigerian artistes dominating key nominations once again, the 2026 MOBO Awards are shaping up to be another defining moment for African music on the global stage.