The countdown is officially on for the 2026 MOBO Awards, set to take over Manchester, England, on March 26. This highly anticipated event promises to be one of the most culturally relevant nights on the global music calendar. Celebrating Music of Black Origin, the MOBOs continue their legacy of honouring excellence across genres that shape Black music and culture worldwide.
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This year’s ceremony will feature 20 award categories, encompassing music, media, and performance. Among the most anticipated accolades are Album of the Year, Best Female Act, Best Male Act, Song of the Year, Best International Act, Best Newcomer, Video of the Year, and genre-specific categories such as Best Hip Hop Act, Best Grime Act, Best Drill Act, Best R&B/Soul Act, Best African Music Act, and Best Caribbean Music Act. Additionally, the awards extend beyond music, with recognitions such as Best Performance in a TV Show and Best Media Personality rounding out the exciting slate.
One standout category this year is **Best Caribbean Music Act**, featuring a captivating mix of veterans and rising stars within the genre. Trinidad and Tobago’s **Yung Bredda** stands out as the only non-Jamaican nominee, marking a significant milestone for Trinidadian soca on the international stage. His inclusion highlights the growing influence of Trinidad’s vibrant music culture within the broader Caribbean landscape.
Yung Bredda enjoyed an extraordinary 2025, dominating the carnival season with what many dubbed the hottest soca track of the year, “**Greatest Bend Ova**.” The song’s global impact was underscored by international remixes featuring American R&B and pop star **Chlöe Bailey** and Ghanaian breakout sensation **Moliy**, pushing soca further into the global mainstream. This moment not only elevates Yung Bredda but also showcases the genre’s growing reach and influence.
Sharing the Caribbean spotlight is **Ayetian**, who is ecstatic about earning his first-ever MOBO nomination. He joins an all-star Jamaican lineup that includes **Lila Iké** (her third nomination), **Masicka** (first nomination), **Shenseea** (fifth nomination), and dancehall veteran **Vybz Kartel**, a three-time MOBO nominee who also received the **MOBO Impact Award** at last year’s ceremony. Kartel’s nomination for **Best International Act** highlights his global influence and continued dominance in the music industry.
Beyond the Caribbean category, Jamaican talent continues to shine, with **DJ AG** in the running for Best Media Personality, and British-Jamaican singer **Olivia Dean** enjoying a standout year with multiple nominations. Her critically acclaimed compilation, **The Art of Loving**, is nominated for **Album of the Year**, while her track “Man I Need” earns a nod for **Song of the Year**. Dean is also celebrated in the **Best R&B/Soul Act** category, further emphasizing her artistic versatility and growing prominence in the industry.
The **2026 MOBO Awards** are shaping up to be a night of musical excellence. With categories spanning soca and dancehall to R&B, hip hop, and beyond, this year’s nominations not only reflect diverse musical talents but also highlight a global soundscape with a Caribbean presence that continues to resonate far beyond its shores. As anticipation builds, the MOBOs remain a beacon of celebration for artists who shape the sound of contemporary music.
