Full Breakdown
2026 MOBO Awards: A Landmark Celebration of Black Music
1/28/2026, 8:57:42 PM
Hosts and Performers Announced for the 30th Anniversary
The 2026 MOBO Awards, marking its 30th anniversary, will take place on March 26 at Co-op Live in Manchester. This year’s ceremony promises to be a significant celebration of Black music and culture, featuring global hip-hop icon Eve and comedian Eddie Kadi as hosts. Kadi returns for a second consecutive year, while Eve expressed her excitement about co-hosting, stating, “Manchester, I hope you’re ready because we have an amazing night planned for you.”
The first wave of performers has been confirmed, including British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, R&B trio FLO, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage. These artists are recognized for their contributions to contemporary music, with Dean and FLO both receiving four nominations each for the awards. Tiwa Savage is nominated for Best African Music Act, highlighting her influence in the Afrobeats genre.
Background and Context of the MOBO Awards
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King CBE, the MOBO Awards have evolved into Europe’s most influential platform celebrating Black music across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and grime. This year’s ceremony will honor outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025. Kanya King emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “As we mark 30 years of MOBO, this moment feels especially powerful.”
Notable Nominations and Performers
In addition to Olivia Dean and FLO, rising stars Kwn and Jim Legxacy are also nominated for four awards each, while Central Cee, Skepta, and PinkPantheress have three nominations. The nominations reflect a diverse range of talent shaping the current music landscape, with Kanya King noting that the first wave of performers embodies “excellence, authenticity and cultural impact.”
Official Statements and Responses
Kanya King expressed pride in the choice of hosts, stating, “Eve and Eddie each represent excellence, authenticity and cultural impact in their own right.” Eve echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared journey of the MOBO Awards and her own career in music. Eddie Kadi added, “Expect the unexpected with performances and surprise appearances,” indicating that the event will feature exciting moments for attendees.
What's Next for the MOBO Awards
As the event approaches, more performers and special honorees are expected to be announced, further building anticipation for the ceremony. Tickets for the 2026 MOBO Awards are currently available through the official MOBO website.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m so excited to be co-hosting the MOBO Awards in this big 30th anniversary year.” — Eve, Hip-Hop Icon
- “To be back for the second year in a row co-hosting the MOBO Awards is an honour, especially for its 30th anniversary.” — Eddie Kadi, Comedian and Broadcaster
- “As we mark 30 years of MOBO, this moment feels especially powerful. These artists and creatives embody excellence, authenticity and cultural impact.” — Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group
The 2026 MOBO Awards promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing evolution of Black music and culture in the UK and beyond.
