MOBO Awards 2026: Key Details, Performers, and How to Watch the Celebrated Ceremony

The MOBO Awards, Europe’s premier celebration of Black music and culture, will take place today in Manchester. This year’s ceremony, hosted at Co-op Live, marks the 30th anniversary of the MOBO organization, honoring exceptional talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025.

Event Highlights

The event promises to be a memorable night filled with electrifying performances, powerful tributes, and culture-shaping moments. It will pay homage to the rich legacy of British and international talent across genres such as hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, dance, reggae, jazz, and gospel.

Kanya King OBE, founder of the MOBO Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the MOBO Awards have been more than just an awards show; they have been a movement that shapes culture and champions creativity. King noted that the event serves as a powerful reminder of how music can inspire and transform lives.

Hosts and Performers

This year, the awards will be co-hosted by global hip-hop icon Eve and acclaimed comedian Eddie Kadi. Eve expressed her excitement about the event, highlighting the shared love for music and culture that connects her with Kadi. Kadi, returning for his second consecutive year as host, expressed pride in being part of such a legendary show.

The lineup of performers includes Olivia Dean, FLO, and Tiwa Savage. A special grime medley, curated by DJ Target, will celebrate the genre’s 25th anniversary, featuring notable artists such as Chip and Nolay. Moston rapper Aitch, fresh off his stint on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”, is also set to perform, alongside viral sensation Myles Smith, known for his hit “Nice To Meet You.”

Notable Nominations

This year’s nominations are led by Little Simz, Olivia Dean, and emerging talents kwn and Jim Legxacy, each securing four nominations. FLO, Central Cee, Skepta, and PinkPantheress are also in contention for three awards each.

Key Nominees

• Best Male Act in Association with Prostate Cancer UK:
  • Central Cee
  • Elmiene
  • Jim Legxacy
  • Nemzzz
  • Odeal
  • Skepta
• Best Female Act in Association with got2b:
  • Flo
  • Kwn
  • Little Simz
  • Olivia Dean
  • Pinkpantheress
  • Sasha Keable
• Album of the Year in Association with Amazon Music:
  • Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
  • Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
  • Flo – Access All Areas
  • Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
  • Little Simz – Lotus
  • Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Song of the Year:
  • AJ Tracey Feat. Jorja Smith – ‘crush’
  • Donae’o Feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – ‘Nights Like This’
  • Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – ‘Victory Lap’
  • Jim Legxacy & Dave – ‘3x’
  • Kwn – ‘Do What I Say’
  • Myles Smith – ‘Nice to Meet You’
  • Olivia Dean – ‘Man I Need’
  • Pinkpantheress – ‘Illegal’
  • Raye – ‘Where Is My Husband!’
  • Tim Duzit – ‘Kat Slater’

Viewing Information

The 2026 MOBO Awards will be live-streamed by Amazon Music on Twitch, starting at 8 PM on March 26. Fans can tune in to witness the celebration of Black music excellence.

Transportation to Co-op Live

By Train

• Manchester Piccadilly: 25-minute walk or 10-minute tram to the Etihad Campus.
• Manchester Victoria: 45-minute walk or 30-minute tram to the Etihad Campus, changing at Piccadilly Station.
• Manchester Oxford Road: 45-minute walk or 12-minute tram from nearby St Peter’s Square to the Etihad Campus.
• Manchester Deansgate: 60-minute walk or 15-minute tram to the Etihad Campus.
• Salford Central: 60-minute walk or 12-minute tram from St Peter’s Square to the Etihad Campus.
• Ashbury’s Station: 10-minute walk to the Etihad Campus.

By Bus

• 53 – Cheetham Hill – Higher Crumpsall – Old Trafford – Pendleton
• 216 – Piccadilly Gardens – Ashton-under-Lyne – Stalybridge
• 230 – Piccadilly Gardens – Droylsden – Ashton-under-Lyne
• 231 – Piccadilly Gardens – Droylsden – Hurst – Ashton-under-Lyne
• 83 – Piccadilly Gardens – Failsworth – Oldham – Sholver
• 84 – Piccadilly Gardens – Hollinwood – Oldham – Lees – Uppermill
• 181 – Piccadilly Gardens – Chadderton – Royton – Wrens Nest
• 182 – Piccadilly Gardens – Chadderton – Royton – Wrens Nest
• 219 – Manchester City Centre – Stalybridge – Hadfield – Glossop

After Party Details

VIP packages for the event grant entry to the official aftershow party. All VIP tickets, including Gold and Platinum tables accommodating up to 10 guests, provide access to a pre-reception featuring a buffet and the after party at a nearby venue. VIP guests will be transported from Co-op Live to the aftershow party.

Pharrell Williams has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious MOBO Global Songwriter Award for 2026.

For further details, visit www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-03-26 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk