Olivia Dean dominated the MOBO Awards 2026 with a three-trophy sweep, topping a star-packed 30th anniversary celebration at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, Thursday night’s (26.03.26) milestone ceremony celebrating Black music and culture saw Olivia shine bright.
The 27-year-old breakout star claimed Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Song of the Year for Man I Need, and Best Female Act, a trio of wins that cements her rise from breakthrough talent to global frontrunner. Her performance of the album’s track A Couple Minutes lit up the arena.
The ceremony drew an A-list crowd including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Denise Lewis DBE, Tinie Tempah, Alesha Dixon, and Stephen Graham.
The stage delivered standout sets from FLO, Slick Rick and Estelle, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, Myles Smith, Shenseea, and a heavyweight Grime medley curated by DJ Target.
Jim Legxacy enjoyed a landmark moment, taking Best Male Act after a year in which his album, Black British Music, pushed UK rap into bold, genre-shifting territory.
Jim’s work has become a touchpoint for a new wave of British storytellers, and his win underscored his growing influence.
RAYE continued her artistic evolution with a win for Video of the Year for Where Is My Husband!, landing just hours before the release of her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. Central Cee extended his legacy with another Best Hip Hop Act trophy, while FLO celebrated their first MOBO win with Best R’n’B/Soul Act.
Teen Christian rap sensation DC3 scored two major awards, taking Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, reinforcing his rapid rise as one of the UK’s most viral young artists.
Chip returned to the winners’ circle with Best Grime Act, marking a full-circle moment nearly two decades after his first MOBO triumph.
Across jazz, electronic, drill, African music and more, the 2026 ceremony spotlighted a generation shaping the future of Black music.
Best Male Act In Association With Prostate Cancer UK – Jim Legxacy
Best Female Act In Association With Got2b – Olivia Dean
Album Of The Year In Association With Amazon Music – Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
Song Of The Year In Association With 1664 Bière – Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Best Newcomer – DC3
Video Of The Year In Association With Vevo – Raye – Where Is My Husband! (Directed By The Reids)
Best R’n’B/Soul Act In Association With Huda Beauty – FLO
Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
Best Grime Act Supported By Trench – Chip
Best Hip Hop Act – Central Cee
Best Drill Act – Twin S
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Best Media Personality – Niko Omilana
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film – Stephen Graham – Adolescence
Best African Music Act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act – Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Electronic/Dance Act Supported By BEMA and Mixmag – Sherelle
Best Gospel Act Supported By Premier Gospel – DC3
Best Producer – P2J
MOBO Global Songwriter Award – Pharrell Williams
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award – Slick Rick
