What Went Down At The MOBO Awards 2026

With the people’s capital Manchester on a hosting spree in 2026, Co-Op Live held the biggest celebration of Black culture with the MOBO Awards taking place on Thursday evening. The ceremony proudly recognised the awards 30th anniversary, lavishing in founder Kanya King’s dream turned reality of creating a space to celebrate urban music.

R&B trio Flo kicked off the evening, exuding pure confidence with their latest single ‘Leak It’. Eyes were locked, jaws were in the floor, and the night was in good hands with hosts comedian Eddie Kadi and icon/rapper Eve. The London girl-group proceeded to win Best R&B Act, declaring ‘UK R&B is Back!’

The first win of the evening went to Nova Twins for Best Alternative Act, following their huge year with their third studio album ‘Parasites and Butterflies’. Performances followed with honorary national treasure Olivia Dean gracing the crowd with ‘A Couple Minutes’. Dean proceeded to take home a triple whammy with wins for Best Song, Album of the Year and Best Female Act. This follows her whirlwind of a sweep at the Brits last month, in which the London singer won three out of four categories in which she was nominated.

The unified certainty of stars continued as Scouse mogul Steven Graham won Best Film/TV Award for his country clutching performance in ‘Adolescence’. Graham stated the win ‘means the world’ and gave a kind nod to his stepfather in his speech.

Tender moments continued as Nile Rodgers awarded Pharrell Williams with the Global Songwriter Award. Williams’ innovation extends beyond his Oscar nominated, chart-topping hits such as ‘Happy’ and ‘Get Lucky’ but his gamut of work in both producing and fashion design. Rodgers revelled in his admiration for the American polymath, adding that he ‘changed his life’ and ‘will love him forever’.

Monumental honouring was not limited to Pharrell, as founder Kanya King awarded Slick Rick with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The seminal rapper and producer is regarded as one of Hip-Hop’s greatest storytellers, classic tracks such as ‘The Show’ and ‘La Di Da Di’ pioneered narrative-driven paved the way for generations. Hit churning star Estelle joined the recipient on stage for a rapid recap of his best works. Slick Rick donned a diamond eyepatch, casually of course, despite the element mountain sitting behind the pair during the performance.

Beyond the kind words and revelling performances, the MOBO’s stood clear in its ambition and ethos, a pioneering and solemnising celebration of Black and urban culture, both past and present and with a glass raised to the future.

The full list of winners can be seen below: