Olivia Dean Dominates the 2026 MOBO Awards as Wizkid and Ayra Starr Secure Major Wins at 30th Anniversary Ceremony

The MOBO Awards returned to Manchester’s Co-op Live on Thursday, March 26, and Olivia Dean walked away as the undisputed winner of the night.

The Northampton-born singer collected three awards across the evening: Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Song of the Year for “Man I Need,” and Best Female Act. These came just weeks after she picked up four awards at the BRIT Awards in the same venue, making it a remarkable stretch for the rising star.

Rising star Jim Legxacy took home Best Male Act, while Central Cee claimed Best Hip Hop Act.

WizKid won Best African Music Act. Nigerian artist Ayra Starr picked up Best International Act, continuing a strong run of recognition for African artists on the global stage.

DC3 had a strong night too, winning both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act. FLO took Best R&B/Soul Act, Ezra Collective won Best Jazz Act, and Chip claimed Best Grime Act — the latter as part of a special medley honouring 25 years of grime that also featured D Double E, Wiley, Nolay, and Scorcher.

Special honours went to Pharrell Williams, who received the MOBO Global Songwriter Award, and Slick Rick, who was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. P2J won Best Producer.

The ceremony also marked the MOBOs’ 30th anniversary, three decades of recognising black music’s impact in the UK and beyond, at a moment when black music accounts for 80% of the total UK music industry market.

The event was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and musician Eve, and broadcast live on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

Full Winners List:

Best Male Act — Jim Legxacy

Best Female Act — Olivia Dean

Album of the Year — Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving

Song of the Year — Olivia Dean, “Man I Need”

Best Newcomer — DC3

Video of the Year — RAYE, “Where Is My Husband!”

Best R&B/Soul Act — FLO

Best Alternative Music Act — Nova Twins

Best Grime Act — Chip

Best Hip Hop Act — Central Cee