WIZKID, AYRA STARR SHINE AT 2026 MOBO AWARDS, AFRICAN MUSIC DOMINATES GLOBAL STAGE
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Afrobeats stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr stole the spotlight at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, cementing Nigeria’s continued influence on the global music scene. The landmark 30th-anniversary ceremony took place on Tuesday at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, marking the first time the awards were hosted in the northern UK city.
Ayra Starr emerged as the night’s most celebrated African voice, winning the Best International Act for the second consecutive year. Her victory makes her the first African artist in 16 years to secure back-to-back wins in the category, bringing her MOBO career tally to three. Starr, known for hits like “Sabi Girl,” triumphed over international heavyweights including Cardi B, Tyla, Gunna, and Vybz Kartel, standing out as the sole Nigerian representative in the bracket.
Meanwhile, Wizkid reclaimed the Best African Music Act award, prevailing in a highly competitive lineup featuring fellow Nigerian stars Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi. The win underscores Wizkid’s pivotal role in the global Afrobeats movement and adds to his record as one of the most decorated African artists in MOBO history.
Nigeria’s dominance extended beyond performance categories. Popular creator Niko Omilana was named Best Media Personality, reflecting the growing impact of digital influence in music and entertainment. Producer P2J took home Best Producer, recognised for his work across Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop genres.
British singer Olivia Dean was arguably the night’s biggest overall winner, sweeping Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for “Man I Need.” Other notable winners included:
Central Cee – Best Hip-Hop Act
Raye – Video of the Year
FLO – Best R&B/Soul Act
The ceremony also celebrated music icons, with legendary producer Pharrell Williams receiving the Global Songwriter Award and Hip-Hop pioneer Slick Rick honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring contributions.
The 2026 MOBO Awards highlighted the borderless nature of modern music, with Nigerian artists not merely participating on the global stage, but actively shaping it. Wizkid and Ayra Starr’s triumphs underscore the continued ascent of Afrobeats as a dominant cultural force worldwide.
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