Ayra Starr Earns Two Nominations as Wizkid, Davido, others Shine at 2026 MOBO Awards
Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has secured two major nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards, earning spots in the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories, PulseNets learnt.
The nominations further reinforce Starr’s growing global influence, coming a year after she made history as the first African female artist to win both categories in the same year. PulseNets gathered that she now faces stiff competition from a diverse and highly competitive international lineup.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, the full nominations list was officially released by the organisers on Thursday and features dozens of artists drawn from Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.
Nigeria recorded a strong showing across multiple categories. PulseNets reported that Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Rema, and Shallipopi all earned one nomination each, highlighting the continued dominance of Nigerian artists on the global music stage.
PulseNets further learnt that the 2026 MOBO Awards will mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary. The ceremony is scheduled to hold on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Below is the full list of nominees as released by the MOBO Awards organisers:
Best Male Act
Skepta
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy
Central Cee
Nemzzz
Odeal
Best Female Act
Pinkpantheress
Kwn
Little Simz
Flo
Sasha Keable
Olivia Dean
Best Newcomer
DC3
EsDeeKid
Finessekid
Kwn
Namesbliss
YT
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman
Song Of The Year
Raye – Where Is My Husband!
Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – Victory Lap
Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x
Kwn – Do What I Say
Myles Smith – Nice To Meet You
AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
Donaeo feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
Pinkpantheress – Illegal
Tim Duzit – Kat Slater
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Album Of The Year
Flo – Access All Areas
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
Little Simz – Lotus
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
Video Of The Year
Skepta & Fred Again.. – Back 2 Back
Raye – Where Is My Husband!
Pozer – Shanghai Noon
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
Jim Legxacy – TBA
Little Simz – Flood
Best R&B/Soul Act
Odeal
Olivia Dean
Elmiene
Flo
Kwn
Sasha Keable
Best Alternative Music Act
Hak Baker
Michael Kiwanuka
Alt Blk Era
Blood Orange
Nova Twins
Rachel Chinouriri
Best Grime Act
Chip
Ruff Sqwad
Scorcher
Wiley
Jayahadadream
Kasst 8
Best Hip-hop Act
Central Cee
D-Block Europe
Kojey Radical
Little Simz
Aitch
Asco
Catch
Loyle Carner
Youngs Teflon
Wretch 32
Best Drill Act
Booter Bee
Chy Cartier
EsDeeKid
Nemzzz
Pozer
36
Twin S
Wohdee
K-Trap
Leostaytrill
Best International Act
Gunna
Clipse
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Ayra Starr
Cardi B
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy
Best Media Personality
Niko Omilana
Pk Humble
Remi Burgz
Uche Natori
Winners Talking
Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty)
DJ AG
In My Opinion
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe (Melissa’s Wardrobe)
Nadia Jae
Best Performance In A TV Show / Film
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King
Ashley Thomas – Hostage
Ashley Walters – Adolescence
Lennie James – Mr Loverman
Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
Stephen Graham – Adolescence
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Damson Idris – F1
Dayo Koleosho – EastEnders
Best African Act
Ayra Starr
Davido
Joshua Baraka
Moliy
Rema
Shallipopi
Tiwa Savage
Tyla
Adekunle Gold
Best Caribbean Music Act
Vybz Kartel
Ayetian
Lila Iké
Masicka
Shenseea
Yung Bredda
Best Jazz Act
Cktrl
Ego Ella May
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Nubya Garcia
Yazmin Lacey
Also Read: 66th Grammys: Davido, Ayra Starr congratulate Tyla after losing maiden African category
Best Electronic Act
FKA Twigs
Jazzy
Kilimanjaro
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Sherelle
Best Gospel Act
Faith Child
Annatoria
DC3
Imrhan
Sondae
Still Shadey
Best Producer
Jae5
Miles Clinton James
P2J
Inflo
Sammy Soso
Zach Nahome
