The countdown is on as the MOBO Awards 2026 prepares to take over Manchester in what promises to be one of the biggest nights in UK music and culture. With just three weeks to go, Europe’s largest celebration of Black music and culture has announced three more major performers joining an already star-studded lineup.
Manchester’s own rap sensation Aitch and British singer-songwriter Myles Smith will join previously announced performers including Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage, and the special MOBO Salutes: Grime 25 medley featuring Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher, and D Double E.
The MOBO Awards 2026 will take place live at Co-op Live in Manchester on 26 March 2026, hosted by global hip-hop icon Eve and comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi. Fans can secure tickets via the official MOBO website: https://mobo.com/tickets
Global Streaming Partner Brings MOBOs to Worldwide Audiences
This year’s ceremony will be streamed globally thanks to Amazon Music, the Official Digital Music Streaming Partner of the MOBO Awards.
Fans can tune in via the Amazon Music UK Twitch channel from 8.00PM GMT on 26 March 2026. Viewers can also explore curated playlists and event content via the MOBO event page and Amazon Music platforms.
Aitch Leads Northern Representation at the MOBOs
Manchester rap star Aitch continues to cement his status as one of the UK’s most successful hip-hop exports.
With:
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9 UK Top 10 singles
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Over 1.5 billion combined streams globally
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Multiple MOBO nominations and wins
Aitch first won a MOBO Award in 2020 for Best Newcomer and received further nominations in 2022 for Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
His sophomore album “4”, released last year, topped the UK Independent Album Chart and was praised by Rolling Stone UK as a “blistering return to form.” He is also nominated this year for Best Hip Hop Act.
Myles Smith Continues Global Breakthrough Rise
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has rapidly emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting new musical voices.
His breakout single ‘Stargazing’ became the longest-running charting track by a UK artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024, helping him surpass 1.1 billion global streams.
Smith has continued his momentum with:
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Collaboration track ‘Drive Safe’ with Niall Horan
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Over 13.5 million Spotify streams for the single
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Performances to more than 100,000 fans across global tours
His achievements also include:
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Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work (2025)
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Rolling Stone UK Breakthrough Award
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Nominations for Song of the Year for ‘Nice To Meet You’
This summer, Smith will join Ed Sheeran as main support on his US tour, further expanding his international reach.
Major Brand Partners Supporting the 2026 MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards continue their tradition of collaborating with leading global brands and cultural organisations.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music returns as:
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Official Digital Streaming Partner
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Sponsor of Album of the Year
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Partner of the MOBO Fringe Summit
The MOBO Fringe Summit will take place on 24 March at Aviva Studios, Manchester, featuring industry panels and creative discussions.
Exclusive MOBO 30 anniversary merchandise will also be available via Amazon’s on-demand merch platform.
Prostate Cancer UK Partnership
Prostate Cancer UK continues as the Official Men’s Health Charity Partner and sponsor of Best Male Act.
The partnership aims to:
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Raise awareness of prostate cancer risks among Black men
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Promote health equality across the UK
Learn more: https://prostatecanceruk.org
got2b, Vevo & Huda Beauty Join Cultural Celebration
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got2b returns as Official Hairstyling Partner and sponsor of Best Female Act, celebrating individuality and creative expression.
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Vevo sponsors Video of the Year, celebrating visual creativity in music.
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Huda Beauty serves as Official Makeup Partner and sponsor of Best R&B/Soul Act.
MOBO Fringe Festival Returns to Manchester
Ahead of the main ceremony, MOBO is partnering with Manchester City Council to deliver the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long cultural celebration across the city.
The free programme will include:
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Industry panels
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Talent showcases
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Live performances
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Creative workshops covering music, technology, and the arts
The festival aims to provide opportunities for emerging creatives while celebrating Manchester’s vibrant music ecosystem.
As part of the initiative, MOBO has launched the MOBO Fringe: Manchester Talent Programme, supported by PPL, which will:
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Support 10 emerging Greater Manchester artists
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Provide education workshops and industry mentoring
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Deliver live performance opportunities during Fringe week
More information on MOBO Fringe programming will be announced soon.
MOBO’s Legacy of Supporting UK Cities
Since 2009, the MOBO Awards have taken their celebrations across the UK, transforming cities into cultural hubs while spotlighting Black music and creative communities.
Previous host cities include:
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London
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Liverpool
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Leeds
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Glasgow
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Coventry
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Sheffield
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Newcastle
The 2026 event marks a significant milestone as MOBO enters its 30th anniversary year, bringing its cultural celebration to Manchester — a city internationally recognised for its musical heritage and creative influence.
A Landmark Night for Music & Culture
The 2026 MOBO Awards promises to be a powerful showcase of global and UK talent, cultural celebration, and community impact, reinforcing its position as one of the most important events in contemporary music.
For more information about the MOBO Awards 2026: https://mobo.com
