Olivia Dean and Little Simz have emerged as the frontrunners for the 2026 Mobo Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to black music in the UK and beyond. Dean’s impressive album, The Art Of Loving, has garnered four nominations including Album of the Year, highlighting a remarkable year for the London-based singer. Similarly, rapper Little Simz also received four nominations for her sixth studio album, Lotus, marking a significant comeback following her split from longtime collaborator Inflo.
Other artists who have secured multiple nominations include PinkPantheress, Skepta, Central Cee, and newcomers Kwn and Jim Legxacy. The prestigious awards will take place in Manchester on March 26, 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Mobo organization, which was founded in 1996 by Kanya King to honor music of black origin. The Mobo Awards were the first black awards show in Europe, paving the way for artists such as Stormzy and Dave, among others, to reach broader audiences.
King, in announcing the nominees, expressed that recognition from the Mobo Awards often serves as a catalyst for enduring success in the music industry. Little Simz, a three-time Mobo Award winner, is recognized in key categories, including Best Female and Best Hip-Hop Act, along with Video of the Year. Olivia Dean’s nominations feature Best Female, Best Soul Act, and Song of the Year for her hit, Man I Need.
Promising rapper Jim Legxacy, who gained recognition for his work with BBC’s Sound of 2026, is also nominated for four awards, such as Video of the Year for Father and Song of the Year for his collaboration with Dave titled 3x. KWN, an emerging R&B artist, stands out with four nominations for Best Newcomer, Best Female Act, Best Soul Act, and Song of the Year for her sultry ballad, Do What I Say. She expressed gratitude for the recognition, especially after overcoming setbacks in her career.
Sasha Keable, who has had her share of challenges in the industry, is recognized with nominations for Best Female and Best Soul Act following a successful return, including the acclaimed tracks Hold Up and Act Right. Vocal trio Flo also received three nominations, including Album of the Year for Access All Areas, becoming the first UK girl group to earn a Grammy nomination in two decades.
Other Album of the Year nominees include jazz ensemble Ezra Collective for their album Dance, No One’s Watching, and rapper Kojey Radical for his critically acclaimed work, Don’t Look Down. Central Cee, who previously made history at the Mobos by winning Best Male for three consecutive years, is nominated for his long-awaited debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness.
The Mobo Awards ceremony will unfold at Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, with more details on performers and presenters expected soon. In addition to the awards, a fringe festival featuring concerts, workshops, and discussions will be organized in collaboration with Manchester City Council, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering musical talent beyond London.