Nigerian music stars Ayra Starr, Davido,Wizkid and Tiwa Savage have been nominated for the 2026 MOBO Awards, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing dominance on the global Black music scene.
The nominations were unveiled on Thursday, with organisers announcing contenders across 20 categories ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester.
This year’s event is historic, as it marks the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted in Manchester and coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary.
Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage earned nominations in the highly competitive Best African Music Act category, where they will slug it out with fellow Nigerians Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi and Adekunle Gold.
Also nominated in the category are Ghana’s Moliy, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and South Africa’s Tyla, highlighting the continued global rise and cross-border appeal of African music.
Ayra Starr emerged as one of the standout African acts on the shortlist, securing nominations in both the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories.
In the Best International Act category, the ‘Rush’ singer will compete against global heavyweights including Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna and Vybz Kartel. Tyla and Moliy also received nominations in both categories.
Ayra Starr has enjoyed notable success at the awards in recent years. At the 2025 edition, she made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award, while also clinching the Best International Music Act title.
The MOBO Awards, regarded as Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, recognise outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025.
Speaking on the nominations, MOBO founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kanya King CBE, said the 2026 shortlist reflects the strength, diversity and cultural influence of Black music globally.
“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 added that the nominations represent “one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence in years,” while also underscoring the growing international reach of the awards.
