Stars from the music industry have convened in Manchester for the annual MOBO Awards, a celebration of black music and culture. The event, held at Co-op Live, is being hosted by hip-hop icon Eve and I’m A Celeb’s Eddie Kadi. Attendees will enjoy performances by artists such as Olivia Dean, FLO, and Tiwa Savage.
This year, the MOBO Awards hold special significance as a specially curated grime medley will be featured to commemorate the genre’s 25th birthday. Additionally, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the awards.
Founder of the MOBO Group, Kanya King OBE, emphasized the importance of the event, stating that MOBO has been a cultural movement for 30 years, shaping creativity and championing talent. She highlighted the role of music in inspiring and uniting people, underscoring the partnership with Manchester to create a new chapter in cultural history.
The MOBO Awards made history by taking place in Manchester for the first time. Comedians Eve and Eddie Kadi hosted the ceremony at Co-op Live, which was also livestreamed on Twitch via Amazon Music. The star-studded evening featured dynamic performances by Aitch, Flo, Myles Smith, and Olivia Dean, who recently shined at the BRIT Awards.
The event faced mixed reactions on social media, with fans praising the artists but critiquing the production quality. Jamaican artist Shenseea closed the show with a memorable performance.
Among the winners were Olivia Dean for multiple categories, including Best Female Act and Song of the Year. Notable awards also went to Slick Rick for Lifetime Achievement and Pharrell Williams for Global Songwriter.
The evening saw emotional speeches from winners like Stephen Graham, who dedicated his award to his fellow nominees and family. Chip, honored as Best Grime Act, shared gratitude and faith in his acceptance speech.
Olivia Dean’s success continued with another win for Best Female Act, where she dedicated her award to inspiring black British women. The MOBO Awards celebrated diversity and talent, with Nova Twins winning Best Alternative Music Act and DC3 securing Best Newcomer.
The ceremony concluded with performances and acknowledgments from industry legends like Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers. The event showcased the power of music in bringing people together and honoring excellence.
