MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Honored In Manchester, UK

The MOBO Awards went down at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, last night, March 26, marking a historic first as the awards were held in Manchester for the first time in their 30-year history.

It was for this legacy that MOBO Awards founder Kanya King was honored by the team at Co-op Live, who presented her with a special plaque in recognition of her extraordinary legacy and contribution to music and culture.

“The evening underscored both the cultural significance of the MOBO Awards and Manchester’s growing status as a major destination for world-class live entertainment,” according to a press release from Co-op Live.

The full winners list of the MOBO Awards 2026 can be found below. The night’s big winner: Olivia Dean, who took home three trophies in the best female act, album of the year and song of the year categories.

Dean’s streak continues, following four BRITs wins and one Grammy award.

Best Male Act
Jim Legxacy

Best Female Act
Olivia Dean

Album Of The Year
Olivia Dean, The Art Of Loving

Song Of The Year
Olivia Dean, “Man I Need”

Best Newcomer
DC3

Video Of The Year
Raye, “Where Is My Husband!” (Directed By The Reids)

Best R&B/Soul Act
Flo

Best Alternative Music Act
Nova Twins

Best Grime Act
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
Sherelle

Best Gospel Act
DC3

Best Producer
P2J

MOBO Global Songwriter Award
Pharrell Williams

MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award
Slick Rick

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