Olivia Dean & Little Simz Lead Nominees for 2026 MOBO Awards: Full List

Trending on Billboard Olivia Dean and Little Simz are among the leading acts nominated for the 2026 MOBO Awards . Both artists, as well as rising stars Jim Legxacy and Kwn , score four nominations across the genre-spanning categories, with Dean and Simz also competing in the prestigious album of the year field. The 2026 ceremony marks 30 years of the MOBOs organisation which was co-founded by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell. The MOBO Awards, held annually, champion Black music and culture across a wide spectrum of genres and disciplines. The ceremony will take place on March 26 at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, and follows the BRIT Awards in moving to the venue. In recent years, the MOBOs has toured British cities such as Newcastle (2025), Sheffield (2024), Coventry (2021) and Leeds (2019). British stars Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress and FLO are recognised in three categories each. Cynthia Erivo will feature in the best TV/film performance category for her turn in Wicked , going up against Stephen Graham for his role in the Netflix hit drama Adolescence , among others. Dean will compete in the album of the year category, as well as best female act, song of the year (“Man I Need”), and best R&B/soul act; these are her first nominations for the MOBO Awards. In the album of the year category, she’ll be up against Central Cee’s Can’t Rush Greatness ; Ezra Collective’s Dance, No One’s Watching; FLO ’s Access All Areas ; Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down ; and Little Simz’ Lotus . The latter shared the album of the year prize with Knucks in 2022 for her fourth LP Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Ten artists will feature in the best artist field with a number of strong names included in the category: DC3; EsDeeKid; FineeseKid; Jim Legxacy; Kwn; namesbliss; Nia Smith; Sekou; Skye Newman; and YT. The MOBOs celebrate a wide range of genres, including jazz, electronic, gospel and alternative music. A number of global stars feature in the international act category, including Cardi B, Gunna, Leon Thomas, and Kehlani. Tickets for the event are on sale now from the MOBOs’ official website, with performers and special honorees to be announced in due course. See the full list of nominees below. Best male act Central Cee Elmiene Jim Legxacy Nemzzz Odeal Skepta Best female act Flo Kwn Little Simz Olivia Dean PinkPantheress Sasha Keable Album of the year Central Cee - Can’t Rush Greatness Ezra Collective - Dance, No One’s Watching Flo - Access All Areas Kojey Radical - Don’t Look Down Little Simz - Lotus Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving Song of the year AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith - “Crush” Donae’o feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir - “Nights Like This” Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax - “ Victory Lap” Jim Legxacy & Dave - “3x” Kwn - “Do What I Say” Myles Smith - “Nice To Meet You” Olivia Dean - “Man I Need” PinkPantheress - “lllegal” Raye -...

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