Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has secured two nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards, earning recognition in the Best African Music Act and Best International Act categories.
The nominations were unveiled by the organisers on Thursday, placing Starr among a competitive lineup of global artists across multiple continents. The achievement further cements her growing international profile, following her historic feat last year when she became the first African woman to win both categories simultaneously.
Several other Nigerian artistes also made a strong showing on this year’s list. Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Rema and Shallipopi each received one nomination, highlighting Nigeria’s continued influence on the global music scene.
The 2026 MOBO Awards, which mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary, are scheduled to hold on March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live, Manchester.
Below is the full list of nominees across all categories:
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
Little Simz – Flood
Best R&B/Soul Act
Odeal, Olivia Dean, Elmiene, Flo, Kwn, Sasha Keable
Best International Act
Gunna, Clipse, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Ayra Starr, Cardi B, Tyla, Vybz Kartel, Mariah The Scientist, Moliy
Best African Act
Ayra Starr, Davido, Joshua Baraka, Moliy, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, Tyla, Adekunle Gold
Other categories include Best Hip-hop Act, Best Grime Act, Best Producer, Best Gospel Act, Best Caribbean Music Act, Best Jazz Act, Best Electronic Act, Best Media Personality, and Best Performance in a TV Show/Film.
With multiple Nigerian names featured across major categories, expectations are high ahead of the ceremony as fans await another strong outing for Afrobeats on the global stage.