Ayra Starr secures two nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards (Best African Music Act & Best International Act), joining fellow Nigerians Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold and Shallipopi. The 30th anniversary ceremony holds March 26 in Manchester
Ayra Starr Leads Nigerian Charge with Two Nods at 2026 MOBO Awards – Full List of Nominees Revealed for 30th Anniversary Edition
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is once again in the spotlight after landing two major nominations at the 2026 MOBO Awards—Best African Music Act and Best International Act—reinforcing her status as a global force following her historic double win in both categories last year.
The full list of nominees, unveiled by organisers on Thursday, January 15, 2026, features a powerhouse lineup of talent spanning four continents, with Nigeria well represented across multiple categories.
Joining Ayra Starr in the prestigious Best African Music Act race are fellow Nigerians Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Shallipopi, alongside Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, Ghana’s Moliy, and South Africa’s Tyla.
In the Best International Act category—where Ayra Starr competes globally—she faces stiff competition from heavyweights including Gunna, Clipse, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Cardi B, Vybz Kartel, Mariah The Scientist, and Moliy.
Other Nigerian stars securing single nominations include:
- Wizkid – Best African Music Act
- Davido – Best African Music Act
- Tiwa Savage – Best African Music Act
- Adekunle Gold – Best African Music Act
- Rema – Best African Music Act
- Shallipopi – Best African Music Act
The 2026 MOBO Awards mark the organisation’s landmark 30th anniversary and will take place on March 26, 2026, at the state-of-the-art Co-op Live arena in Manchester, UK.
The ceremony continues to celebrate excellence in Black music and culture, recognising achievements in genres ranging from Afrobeats and grime to R&B, jazz, gospel, drill, and electronic music.
Other key categories include Best Male Act (Central Cee, Skepta, Nemzzz, Odeal), Best Female Act (Little Simz, Pinkpantheress, Flo, Olivia Dean), Album of the Year (Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness, Little Simz – Lotus), and Song of the Year (Raye – Where Is My Husband!, Pinkpantheress – Illegal).
With Ayra Starr chasing back-to-back historic wins and a strong Nigerian contingent in contention, the 2026 MOBOs promise to be one of the most exciting editions yet for African music on the global stage. Read More
, joining fellow Nigerians){kind=link}