Wizkid won the ‘Best African Music Act’ award, beating fellow Nigerians Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold, among others.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Nigerian Afro-Pop stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr were among the winners at the 2026 MOBO Awards held in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Wizkid won the ‘Best African Music Act’ award, beating fellow Nigerians Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold, among others. Ayra Starr, who also won the ‘Best International Act’ last year, claimed the ‘Best International Act’ prize ahead of global stars such as Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani.
Nigerian producer P2J emerged winner of the ‘Best Producer’ category, beating nominees including Jae5, Sammy Soso, Inflo, Miles Clinton James, and Zach Nahome. Beyond the wins, other celebrities of Nigerian descent also made the nominees list.
Nigerian-born singer Odeal, who secured ‘Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act’ in 2025, was nominated for ‘Best Male Act’ and ‘Best R&B/Soul Act’. British actors of African descent, including Wunmi Mosaku, Damson Idris, Dayo Koleosho, and Cynthia Erivo, were nominated in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category.
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that honours excellence in Black music across genres such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, and African music.
Full List of Winners
- Best Male Act in Association with Prostate Cancer UK – Jim Legxacy
- Best Female Act in Association with got2b – Olivia Dean
- Album of the Year in Association with Amazon Music – Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Song of the Year in Association with 1664 Bière – Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
- Best Newcomer – DC3
- Video of the Year in Association with Vevo – Raye – “Where Is My Husband!” (Directed by The Reids)
- Best R&B/Soul Act in Association with Huda Beauty – Flo
- Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
- Best Grime Act Supported by Trench – 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 Supported by BEMA & Mixmag – Sherelle
- Best Gospel Act Supported by Premier Gospel – DC3
- Best Producer – P2J
- MOBO Lifetime Achievement – Slick Rick
- MOBO Global Songwriter – Pharrell Williams