On March 26, 2026, Manchester’s Co-op Live arena pulsed with excitement and pride as the MOBO Awards—one of the world’s premier celebrations of Black music and culture—marked its 30th anniversary by hosting the ceremony in the city for the very first time. The night was not only a historic one for Manchester but also a showcase of extraordinary talent, unforgettable performances, and heartfelt tributes that resonated far beyond the venue’s walls.
Comedians Eve and Eddie Kadi helmed the festivities, bringing energy and wit to a star-studded evening broadcast live on Twitch via Amazon Music. The event drew a constellation of artists, nominees, and fans from across the globe, all eager to witness who would take home the coveted trophies. But as the night unfolded, it became clear that singer-songwriter Olivia Dean would emerge as the undisputed queen of the ceremony.
According to Manchester Evening News, Olivia Dean swept three of the night’s most prestigious categories: Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Song of the Year for her soulful single “Man I Need,” and Best Female Act. Just weeks after her triumph at the BRIT Awards—also held at the Co-op Live—Dean’s MOBO hat-trick cemented her status as one of the UK’s brightest musical talents. Her live performance electrified the crowd, and her acceptance speeches brimmed with gratitude and empowerment. “Hi everyone! It’s such an honour to be here. I just feel so proud to be a Black British female artist,” Dean beamed as she collected her first award. She paid tribute to her mother and auntie, dedicating her win to them for shaping her journey.
Later, as she accepted Album of the Year, Dean’s words took on a more reflective tone: “This album was really just born from me wanting to write something about love. I want to dedicate this to Bell Hooks, and all the Black feminists who inspired me to love better. Thank you so much.” The sincerity of her message and the sweep of her achievements drew applause and admiration throughout the arena.
The MOBO Awards have long been a platform for highlighting excellence in Black music and culture, and this year’s edition was no exception. As The Nation reported, the ceremony’s move to Manchester was a long-awaited milestone. Singer Estelle, who performed alongside hip-hop legend Slick Rick, captured the moment perfectly: “I’m like, what took it so long to get to Manchester? But everything at the right time... We’re here, we’re celebrating us and that’s beautiful.”
Slick Rick, the British-American rapper and producer, received the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his pioneering influence on hip-hop. “It’s a great honour. Appreciated me from where I come from, so thank you very much, Manchester. I appreciate the love,” Slick Rick said as he accepted his award before joining Estelle on stage for a collaborative performance that had the crowd on their feet.
Other major honorees included American musician Pharrell Williams, who was presented with the MOBO Global Songwriter Award. Daley, a Manchester-based singer-songwriter who collaborated with Williams on the 2014 track “Look Up,” praised the choice: “It was very clear to me why he’s such a successful and such a good songwriter because he really taps into what the feeling of the song is, so he’s very deserving.”
The night was also a celebration of rising stars and international icons. Wizkid, the Nigerian sensation, took home the Best African Music Act, triumphing over fellow heavyweights Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold. Ayra Starr, another Nigerian star, clinched Best International Act, surpassing global names like Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani. British-Nigerian media personality Niko Omilana was named Best Media Personality, beating out a competitive field that included Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty) and DJ Remi Burgz.
For 19-year-old DC3, the night was a whirlwind of emotion and achievement. He claimed both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, sharing his shock and gratitude on stage: “There are so many legends in one room.” DC3’s tears of joy were a poignant reminder of the awards’ power to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists.
Veteran actor Stephen Graham was recognized for Best Performance in a TV Show or Film for his role in Adolescence. Taking to the stage, Graham humbly shared, “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. Can we give them all a massive round of applause? On a personal level, my friends and family – you know who you are – thank you for helping me do something I can't do on my own.”
The night’s full roster of winners reflected the diversity and dynamism of Black music and entertainment. Jim Legxacy was named Best Male Act, Central Cee took home Best Hip-Hop Act, and Flo won Best R&B/Soul Act. Nova Twins claimed Best Alternative Music Act, Chip was honored as Best Grime Act, Twin S took Best Drill Act, and Raye’s “Where Is My Husband!” won Video of the Year. Vybz Kartel was recognized as Best Caribbean Music Act, Ezra Collective as Best Jazz Act, Sherelle as Best Electronic Act, and P2J as Best Producer.
Nominees of Nigerian descent featured prominently throughout the categories, from German-Nigerian singer Odeal to acclaimed British actors Wunmi Mosaku, Damson Idris, Dayo Koleosho, and Cynthia Erivo. The international scope of the event underscored the global influence of Black artists and the importance of platforms like the MOBOs in providing recognition and visibility.
Throughout the evening, artists and presenters alike spoke to the enduring significance of the MOBO Awards. As Myles Smith, a Song of the Year nominee, put it: “I think it’s always been important and will continue to be important. I think shining a light on music from the Black community and the amazing way that we shape core culture and push boundaries is something that’s incredible to do and hopefully long continues.”
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, formerly of Little Mix, echoed this sentiment: “I just feel like this is our one show to really highlight Black music, so I think it’s super important and 30 years – that’s crazy.”
With Manchester finally joining the ranks of host cities and a new generation of talent stepping into the spotlight, the 2026 MOBO Awards proved not just a night of celebration, but a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite, inspire, and drive cultural change. As the lights dimmed and the applause faded, the legacy of this landmark ceremony was already assured—etched into the story of Black music for years to come.