30 Years of the Culture: Olivia Dean and Little Simz Lead a Historic MOBO Awards in Manchester

If there was any doubt that 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for British music, the nominations for the 2026 MOBO Awards just put that to rest. Celebrating three decades of championing Black music and culture, the MOBOs (Music of Black Origin) are heading north, setting the stage for a massive 30th-anniversary bash at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on March 26.

And if the nomination list is anything to go by, it’s going to be a battle of the titans. Leading the pack this year are two of the UK’s most formidable talents: the soulful songstress Olivia Dean and the lyrical heavyweight Little Simz, both securing four nominations apiece.

The Queens of the Night

For Olivia Dean, this feels like a coronation. After a breakout year that saw her blend vulnerability with infectious pop-soul, she is up for the big ones: Best Female Act, Best R&B/Soul Act, Song of the Year (for the earworm "Man I Need"), and the prestigious Album of the Year for The Art of Loving.

But she’s facing stiff competition from a familiar face. Little Simz, who has spent the last few years proving she is arguably the best rapper in the country (gender aside), is also gunning for Album of the Year with Lotus. Simz is no stranger to MOBO glory, having shared the top prize in 2022, but with nominations for Best Female Act, Best Hip Hop Act, and Video of the Year ("Flood"), she is looking to cement her legacy.

Grime, Drill, and the Global Stage

It wouldn't be the MOBOs without a heavy showing from the rap world. Central Cee continues his global domination with three nods, including Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop Act. He is joined in the three-nomination club by the legendary Skepta (who seems to only get better with age), the genre-bending PinkPantheress, and the R&B trio FLO.

The Album of the Year category is particularly stacked this year. Aside from Dean and Simz, we’re looking at heavy hitters like Ezra Collective (Dance, No One’s Watching), Kojey Radical (Don’t Look Down), and Central Cee’s blockbuster Can’t Rush Greatness. It’s a list that proves the diversity of the sound coming out of the UK right now—from jazz fusion to polished drill.

Dancefloor Dominance and Caribbean Heat

The electronic categories are heating up too. Dublin-born star Jazzy is waving the flag for Ireland, landing a nomination for Best Electronic & Dance Act. She’s in good company, facing off against the likes of FKA twigs and Salute. It’s a testament to her massive year of radio dominance and festival sets.

Meanwhile, the Best Caribbean Music Act category highlights the global reach of the genre. Trinidadian artist Yung Bredda has secured a nod thanks to his viral smash "The Greatest Bend Over," which racked up 22 million views and took over carnival playlists worldwide. He’ll be competing against heavyweights like Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, and Masicka.

30 Years of Movement

This ceremony isn't just about the trophies; it’s about the milestone. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBOs have spent 30 years pushing the culture forward, often recognizing artists long before the mainstream caught up. By moving the show to Manchester’s massive new Co-op Live arena (following in the footsteps of the BRITs), the organization is making a statement: Black music isn't a niche; it is the main event.

With categories spanning from Jazz (featuring Ezra Collective and Nubya Garcia) to Alternative (Nova Twins, Michael Kiwanuka), the 2026 MOBOs promise to be a comprehensive snapshot of a scene that is healthier, more diverse, and more influential than ever.

The MOBO Awards take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.