Nigerian music stars are once again at the centre of global attention as Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi secured nominations for the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.
The organisers released the nominations list on Thursday via the MOBO Awards Instagram page, with Nigerian artistes making a strong showing, especially in the Best African Music Act category. The category also features Joshua Baraka, Moliy, and South African star Tyla, setting up a competitive race across the continent.
Beyond the African category, Ayra Starr scored an additional major nod in the Best International Act category. She will go head-to-head with global heavyweights including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Vybz Kartel, Clipse and Tyla, marking another big moment in her fast-rising international career.
The nominations reflect Afrobeats’ continued global dominance, with Nigerian artistes consistently ranking among the most influential names shaping Black music worldwide.
Below is the full list of 2026 MOBO Awards 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 feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
Donaeo 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
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 – Shanghigh Noon
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
Jim Legxacy –
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
With Nigerian stars dominating key categories once again, the 2026 MOBO Awards are shaping up to be another major celebration of Afrobeats’ global impact.