The MOBO Awards celebrates 30 years with momentous ceremony in Manchester

Last night (26 March 2026), the MOBO Awards celebrated 30 years of events with a spectacular ceremony at Manchester’s very own Co-op Live. 

Broadcast live to the world via the Amazon Music UK channel on Twitch, the 30th anniversary show was an unparalleled evening of live music, complete with live performances from global music legends, hometown heroes and budding stars. 

The star-studded ceremony brought together cultural forces from the world of music, sport and entertainment, including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Denise Lewis DBE, Tinie Tempah, Alesha Dixon, Stephen Graham, and more (see the full winners list below). 

Audiences at home and live in the arena were wowed by energetic performances from artists including Olivia Dean, Slick Rick and Estelle, FLO, Tiwa Savage and Manchester’s very own Aitch. 

Chart-topping British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean scooped three major awards – Album of The Year in association with Amazon Music for The Art of Loving, Song of The Year in association with 1664 Bière for ‘Man I Need’, and Best Female Act in association with got2b while Lewisham-born rapper, singer and producer Jim Legxacy won Best Male Act in association with Prostate Cancer UK and stands out as one of the most hotly-tipped artists this year with four nominations.

Powerhouse vocalist RAYE won Video of The Year in association with VEVO for ‘Where Is My Husband!’, directed by The Reids. This is the first major award win for RAYE’s latest chapter in music, landing serendipitously on the night before the release of her second album This Music May Contain Hope.

Central Cee took home his eighth MOBO trophy, winning this year’s Best Hip Hop Act, whereas R&B trio FLO celebrated their first win, taking home the 2026 MOBO for Best R&B/Soul Act in association with Huda Beauty.

Chip won this year’s Best Grime Act supported by TRENCH, marking a full circle moment for the artist who won Best Grime Act 10 years ago. The latest triumph brings his total MOBO trophy tally to five, since winning Best Newcomer in 2008 when he was just 16.

More incredible talent showcasing the breadth of Black music and culture were celebrated: Nova Twins won Best Alternative Act, Sherelle won Best Electronic/Dance Act supported by BEMA & Mixmag, Twin S won Best Drill Act, Wizkid won Best African Music Act, Ayra Starr won Best International Act for the second consecutive year, Vybz Kartel won Best Caribbean Music Act, YouTuber Niko Ominala won Best Media Personality, and P2J won Best Producer.

Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group, said: “Thirty years ago, the MOBO Organisation was born out of a desire to create space where there was none - to recognise, celebrate and elevate Black music and culture . Tonight in Manchester, we’ve seen just how far that vision has come. From global icons to the next generation of trailblazers, this stage continues to be a home for excellence, creativity and truth. “This isn’t just a celebration of the past — it’s a statement about the future. MOBO remains an important platform , and we are more committed than ever to opening doors, breaking barriers and championing the voices that shape culture around the world.” 

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