Global hip-hop icon Eve and acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi have been confirmed as hosts of the 2026 MOBO Awards, set to take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live on 26 March 2026.
The announcement comes as MOBO reveals the first wave of performers, with women taking centre stage for the ceremony’s landmark 30th anniversary. Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage are the first artists confirmed to perform, with further names and special honourees to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the ceremony are available now via the official MOBO website: mobo.com/tickets.
A Milestone Year for Europe’s Biggest Black Music Celebration
Celebrating three decades of championing Black music, culture and excellence, the MOBO Awards return bigger than ever for 2026. Long regarded as Europe’s most influential celebration of Black music and culture, the event promises a night of electrifying live performances, powerful tributes and culture-defining moments.
MOBO Founder and CEO Kanya King CBE said the choice of hosts reflects the significance of the anniversary year:
“We’re incredibly proud to have the iconic Eve and the incomparable Eddie Kadi hosting the MOBO Awards in Manchester. As we mark 30 years of MOBO, this moment feels especially powerful.”
She added:
“We’re equally thrilled to announce our first wave of performers, with Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage taking centre stage. These are artists shaping the sound of now — bold, brilliant and rooted in creative truth.”
Eve and Eddie Kadi Bring Global Energy to the MOBO Stage
Few artists have left a mark on hip-hop quite like Eve. A multi-award-winning artist with global hits including Who’s That Girl, Gangsta Lovin’ and Let Me Blow Your Mind — which earned her the first-ever GRAMMY Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration — Eve’s career spans music, film and television.
She has collaborated with legends including Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, Prince and Michael Jackson, released four multi-million-selling albums, and hosted CBS’ Emmy-winning talk show The Talk. Now based in the UK, she launched her BBC Sounds podcast Constantly Evolving with Eve and released her autobiography Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir in 2024. In 2025, she completed a sold-out co-headlining tour with Nelly and Ja Rule across Europe and the US.
Speaking on the announcement, Eve said:
“I’m so excited to be co-hosting the MOBO Awards in this big 30th anniversary year. Manchester, I hope you’re ready — we have an amazing night planned.”
Returning for a second consecutive year, Eddie Kadi continues to cement his place as one of the UK’s most celebrated entertainers. A trailblazer in British comedy, he became the first Black British comedian to headline London’s O2 Arena and is a passionate advocate for African music as host of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show.
His TV credits span Live at the Apollo, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, The Jonathan Ross Show and The Apprentice, alongside his popular podcast Man Like You with Babatunde Aléshé and Mo Gilligan.
“To be back for the second year in a row, especially for MOBO’s 30th anniversary, is an honour,” Eddie said. “Expect the unexpected.”
Women Lead the First Wave of 2026 MOBO Performers
Olivia Dean’s Breakout Year Continues
It’s hard to overstate the impact Olivia Dean has had over the past year. The British singer-songwriter has emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting global music stars, earning four MOBO nominations including Album of the Year, Best Female Act, Best R&B/Soul Act and Song of the Year for Man I Need.
Her album The Art of Loving made history by making Dean the first solo British female artist since Adele to simultaneously top the UK Official Albums and Singles Charts. With sold-out dates at London’s O2 and a major world tour spanning Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, her MOBO performance is set to be one of the most anticipated moments of the night.
FLO’s Triumphant Return to the MOBO Stage
British R&B trio FLO return to the MOBO stage following a monumental year. The group — Renée, Stella and Jorja — released their acclaimed debut album Access All Areas and completed the largest US headline tour by a British girl group in nearly 20 years.
The album debuted at No.3 on the UK Official Albums Chart, earning praise from Pitchfork, NME, DAZED and The New York Times. FLO are nominated for three MOBO Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Female Act, making their Manchester performance a celebratory homecoming.
Tiwa Savage Brings Afrobeats Royalty to Manchester
Often dubbed the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage has spent over a decade breaking barriers in a male-dominated genre. With over 2.5 billion global streams, she has helped bridge the gap between West African music and global mainstream audiences.
Her collaborations include Wizkid, Skepta, Brandy, Sam Smith and Craig David, while her latest album This One Is Personal earned acclaim for its rich storytelling and R&B influences. Tiwa is nominated for Best African Music Act, adding yet another milestone to her celebrated career.
MOBO Nominations and Voting Now Open
Leading this year’s nominations are Olivia Dean, Little Simz, kwn and Jim Legxacy, each earning four nods. FLO, Central Cee, Skepta and PinkPantheress follow closely with three nominations each.
Netflix’s acclaimed series Adolescence also receives recognition, with nominations for Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham, alongside Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) and Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners).
The full list of nominees can be viewed here, with voting now open for select categories here.
Manchester Welcomes the MOBO Fringe Festival
As part of its long-standing commitment to regional cultural investment, MOBO will once again bring its celebrations beyond the awards night. In partnership with Manchester City Council, the MOBO Fringe Festival will return with a week-long programme of free events ahead of the ceremony.
The festival will feature industry panels, talent showcases, live performances and creative workshops across music, tech and the arts — spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant local scene while creating opportunities for the next generation.
Building on the success of MOBO Fringe 2025 in Newcastle, which generated over £1 million in economic and social impact, the Manchester edition is set to energise the city and inspire audiences nationwide.
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