Prime Highlights
- Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner, securing multiple top honours and standing out as the leading artist of the night.
- The event showcased both rising and established talent, reinforcing the strength and influence of Black music in the UK.
Key Facts
- MOBO Awards 2026 were held in Manchester, bringing together top artists to celebrate music and cultural impact.
- Olivia Dean won Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for Man I Need.
Background
The MOBO Awards 2026 brought together top artists to celebrate talent, creativity, and cultural influence. Held in Manchester, the event showed how important Black music is across the UK and beyond.
The night belonged to Olivia Dean, who emerged as the standout winner of the evening. She secured multiple major honours, including Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for Man I Need. This capped off a remarkable run of success and established her as one of the year’s most celebrated artists.
Other artists made a strong impression across various categories. Jim Legxacy took home Best Male Act, while Central Cee was recognized in the hip-hop category. Raye earned Video of the Year for her creative visual work, and FLO was awarded Best R&B/Soul Act, reflecting their growing presence in contemporary music.
The awards also honoured established figures in the industry. Pharrell Williams received the Global Songwriter Award for his influence across many music genres. Slick Rick was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in hip-hop.
The event featured performances from leading artists and celebrated its milestone anniversary. The night featured memorable moments and standout performances. Fans and industry figures celebrated the best in music.
