FULL LIST: Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Others Secure Nominations At 2026 MOBO Awards

Nigeria’s music industry has recorded another major milestone on the global stage, with several of its biggest stars earning nominations at the prestigious 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards. According to Ireporter Online, leading Afrobeats acts including Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi were nominated in the highly competitive Best African Music Act category, further underlining Nigeria’s growing influence in global music.

Ayra Starr emerged as one of the standout nominees, securing a spot in the Best International Act category. The singer will compete alongside internationally acclaimed artistes such as Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani and Vybz Kartel, marking a significant achievement for the Nigerian star on the world stage.

The organisers announced that the 2026 MOBO Awards will hold on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The event is expected to be a landmark celebration, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the awards, which recognise excellence in Black music and culture across the globe.

Beyond the African categories, the nominees’ list features a wide range of celebrated artistes across genres including hip-hop, R&B, grime, gospel, jazz, electronic and alternative music, reflecting the MOBO Awards’ broad cultural reach. Nigerian artistes’ strong presence among the nominees has been widely hailed as another sign of Afrobeats’ continued rise and international acceptance.

Industry observers say the nominations not only highlight individual achievements but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse in contemporary global music, with expectations high for strong performances at the awards ceremony.