The 2026 Mobo Awards nominations have been announced, with Olivia Dean, Little Simz and Central Cee leading the pack. The ceremony, which celebrates music of Black origin in the UK and beyond, will mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary when it takes place in Manchester on 26 March.
Olivia Dean’s Breakthrough Year
London-born singer Olivia Dean secures four nominations, including Album of the Year for her soulful record The Art Of Loving. The project, praised for its lush production and heartfelt songwriting, capped a wildly successful year that saw Dean rise to the top of the UK charts. She is also nominated for Best Female Act, Best Soul Act, and Song of the Year for Man I Need.
Little Simz Returns With Lotus
Rapper Little Simz matches Dean with four nominations for her sixth album Lotus. Already a three-time Mobo winner, Simz is shortlisted for Best Female Act, Best Hip-Hop Act, and Video of the Year. Her recognition comes after a creative split from longtime collaborator Inflo, marking a new chapter in her career.
Central Cee’s Continued Dominance
West London rapper Central Cee, who has scored 33 UK Top 40 hits in just five years, is nominated for Album of the Year with Can’t Rush Greatness. He also competes in the Best Male Act category, aiming to extend his record-breaking streak after winning Best Male three times previously.
Rising Stars Shine
Newcomers are making waves this year. Rapper Jim Legxacy, runner-up in the BBC’s Sound of 2026, earns four nominations including Song of the Year for 3x, his collaboration with Dave. R&B singer KWN (pronounced K-One) also secures four nods, including Best Newcomer and Song of the Year for Do What I Say. Both artists are tipped as future stars of British music.
Veteran Voices Resurface
Singer Sasha Keable, once known for her collaboration with Disclosure, returns to the spotlight with nominations for Best Female Act and Best Soul Act. After years of industry struggles, her recent releases Hold Up and Act Right have reignited her career, even earning praise from Beyoncé.
Group Success and Genre Diversity
Vocal trio Flo continue their rise with three nominations, including Album of the Year for Access All Areas. The group recently made history as the first UK girl band in 20 years to receive a Grammy nomination. Other notable nominees include jazz collective Ezra Collective and rapper Kojey Radical, highlighting the diversity of genres represented at the Mobos.
A Historic Celebration
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the Mobos were Europe’s first awards show dedicated to Black music. Over three decades, the event has championed artists from So Solid Crew to Stormzy. This year’s ceremony will not only crown winners across 20 categories but also host a fringe festival with concerts, workshops, and panels in collaboration with Manchester City Council. The winners will be revealed at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena, with performers and presenters announced closer to the date.
‘Jeopardy!’ Fans React After Ken Jennings Posts About ICE