Nigerian music icon Wizkid reinforced his legendary status on the global stage after clinching the Best African Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards, extending his record as the most decorated African artist in the history of the awards.
The milestone victory came on a landmark night that also saw fellow Nigerian star Ayra Starr secure back-to-back wins in the Best International Act category, underlining the continued global rise of Afrobeats. While Starr did not deliver a quoted acceptance speech in immediate reports, her consecutive triumph further cemented her position as one of the genre’s fastest-growing international exports.
The 30th anniversary edition of the MOBO Awards made history of its own, taking place for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena, where a packed audience witnessed a celebration of Black music and culture across genres. The event was streamed live on Twitch via Amazon Music, reflecting its expanding global reach.
Despite the international spotlight, British talent dominated the night’s major categories. Singer Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner, taking home three awards, including Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for “Man I Need.” Accepting her first award, Dean told the audience, “Hi everyone! It’s such an honour to be here. I just feel so proud to be a black British female artist,” before dedicating the win to her family. Later, while receiving Album of the Year, she added, “This album was really just born from me wanting to write something about love,” dedicating the project to “bell hooks and all the black feminists who inspired me to love better.”
Elsewhere, rising star Jim Legxacy claimed Best Male Act, while Central Cee took home Best Hip-Hop Act. Chip won Best Grime Act, and Twin S secured Best Drill Act. R&B trio Flo won Best R&B/Soul Act, while Nova Twins triumphed in the alternative category.
Emotional moments punctuated the ceremony, with DC3 winning both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, visibly moved as he accepted his awards. Raye was honoured with Video of the Year for “Where Is My Husband!”, while jazz collective Ezra Collective and electronic artist Sherelle also secured wins in their respective categories. Producer P2J was named Best Producer.
Beyond music, media personality Niko Omilana was recognised, while actor Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for Adolescence, telling the audience, “This recognition for me means the world. I’d like to give love and respect for my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine.”
Special honours added further prestige to the evening. Dancehall star Vybz Kartel won Best Caribbean Music Act, hip-hop legend Slick Rick received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Pharrell Williams was presented with the Global Songwriter Award.
Hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, the ceremony featured electrifying performances from Aitch, Flo, Myles Smith, Olivia Dean, Estelle, Tiwa Savage, and Slick Rick.
Full list of winners:
Best male act – Jim Legxacy
Best female act – Olivia Dean
Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need
Best newcomer – DC3
Video of the year – Raye , Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)
Best R&B/soul act – Flo
Best alternative music act – Nova Twins
Best grime act – Chip
Best hip-hop act – Central Cee
Best drill act – Twin S
Best international act – Ayra Starr
Best media personality – Niko Omilana
Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best African music act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel
Best jazz act – Ezra Collective
Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle
Best gospel act – DC3
Best producer – P2J
Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams
Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick
