Nigeria’s music heavyweights have made a strong impression on the global stage, securing multiple nominations for the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.
Top Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi were all nominated in the Best African Music Act category, reinforcing Nigeria’s continued dominance in African and global music spaces.
Ayra Starr emerged as one of the standout nominees, earning a place in the Best International Act category. The singer will compete alongside global names such as Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Vybz Kartel, Tyla and Mariah The Scientist, marking another major milestone in her fast-rising international career.
The 2026 MOBO Awards are scheduled to hold on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, and will celebrate the award’s 30th anniversary, highlighting three decades of Black music, culture and creative excellence.
The nominations span several genres, including hip-hop, R&B, grime, drill, gospel, jazz and electronic music, showcasing the breadth of Black musical influence worldwide. Nigerian artistes remain particularly prominent in the African categories, reflecting the global reach and sustained popularity of Afrobeats.
In the Best African Music Act category, Nigerian nominees face competition from artistes such as Tyla, Moliy and Joshua Baraka, while Ayra Starr’s international nod places her among some of the biggest contemporary stars in global music.
The MOBO Awards, founded in 1996, are widely regarded as one of the most influential platforms celebrating Black-origin music, and Nigerian representation at the 2026 edition underscores the country’s growing impact on the global soundscape.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Manchester next March.
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