By Peter Omopo
Nigerian artistes recorded major success at the 2026 edition of the MOBO Awards held in Manchester, with Wizkid and Ayra Starr emerging among the biggest winners.
Wizkid clinched the Best African Music Act award, beating fellow Nigerian nominees including Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold.
Ayra Starr secured the Best International Act award in what observers describe as a major global breakthrough, edging out international stars such as Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani.
In the media category, British-Nigerian content creator Niko Omilana won Best Media Personality, ahead of several nominees.
The awards ceremony, held for the first time in Manchester, celebrated Black music and culture, with strong representation from Nigerian and diaspora talents across multiple categories.
Other winners on the night included Olivia Dean, who won Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, while Central Cee took home Best Hip-Hop Act. Flo won Best R&B/Soul Act, and Ezra Collective claimed Best Jazz Act.
In film and television, Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film, while special honours were presented to Slick Rick with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Pharrell Williams as MOBO Global Songwriter.
The strong showing by Nigerian artistes at the event further highlights the growing global influence of Afrobeats and its expanding footprint in international music markets.
