Bemi Orojuogun, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage and Others Earn 2026 MOBO Nominations

Summary: Nigerian women took centre stage in the 2026 MOBO nominations, with media personality Bemi Orojuogun and music stars Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage among those recognised as the awards head to Manchester for the first time.

MOBO 2026 nominations have placed Nigerian women firmly in the spotlight, with media personality Bemi Orojuogun and music stars including Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage among those recognised across key categories ahead of the awards ceremony in Manchester.

The nominations were announced on January 15, 2026, as organisers unveiled contenders across 20 categories ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2026 edition makes it the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted in Manchester and coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary.

In the Best Media Personality category, Bemi Orojuogun and Uche Natori will compete against DJ AG, In My Opinion, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissa’s Wardrobe), Nadia Jae, Niko Omilana, PK Humble, Remi Burgz and Winners Talking.

Nigeria’s presence at the awards extends beyond the media, with several music stars also earning nominations. Ayra Starr received multiple nominations, securing spots in both the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories. In the latter, she will compete against global artists including Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna, and Vybz Kartel. Tyla and Moliy were also nominated in both categories.

Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards 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, widely 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 described the 2026 shortlist as a reflection of the strength, diversity and cultural influence of Black music today.

She added that the nominations represent one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence in years, while also highlighting the awards’ growing international reach.

Ahead of the ceremony, the event will be supported by the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long cultural programme organised in partnership with Manchester City Council, featuring live performances, industry panels and creative workshops.