Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr, alongside British-Nigerian media personality Niko Omilana, were among the standout winners at the 2026 MOBO Awards held in Manchester.
Wizkid clinched the Best African Music Act award, beating fellow Nigerians including Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold.
Ayra Starr secured the Best International Act award, surpassing global stars such as Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani, while Niko Omilana won Best Media Personality.
Other talents of Nigerian descent also earned nominations, including Odeal, and actors such as Wunmi Mosaku, Damson Idris, Dayo Koleosho, and Cynthia Erivo.
The 2026 edition, hosted in Manchester for the first time, celebrated Black music and culture with several international acts honoured across categories.
Full List of Winners
Best Male Act
Winner: Jim Legxacy
Best Female Act
Winner: Olivia Dean
Album of the Year
Winner: Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Song of the Year
Winner: Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Best Newcomer
Winner: DC3
Video of the Year
Winner: RAYE
Best R&B/Soul Act
Winner: Flo
Best Alternative Music Act
Winner: Nova Twins
Best Grime Act
Winner: Chip
Best Hip-Hop Act
Winner: Central Cee
Best Drill Act
Winner: Twin S
Best International Act
Winner: Ayra Starr
Best Media Personality
Winner: Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film
Winner: Stephen Graham
Best African Music Act
Winner: Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act
Winner: Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act
Winner: Ezra Collective
Best Electronic Act
Winner: Sherelle
Best Gospel Act
Winner: DC3
Best Producer
Winner: P2J
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Slick Rick
MOBO Global Songwriter Award
Recipient: Pharrell Williams
The awards once again highlighted the global impact of African and diaspora artists, with Nigerian talents playing a leading role on the international stage.