MOBO Awards 2026: Manchester Prepares for 30th Anniversary Spectacle
London, 23 March 2026 – The music world turns its gaze to Manchester this week as the city hosts the prestigious MOBO Awards for the first time. The 30th-anniversary ceremony, celebrating the very best in music of Black origin, will be broadcast live from the Co-op Live arena on 26 March 2026. With a star-studded list of nominees, special honourees, and a week of fringe events already underway, anticipation is at a fever pitch for one of Europe’s most significant music award ceremonies.
The Road to Manchester
Marking three decades since its founding by Kanya King, the MOBO Organisation is bringing its flagship event to a new city. The awards recognise outstanding talent and releases from the eligibility period of 1 September 2024 to 1 October 2025. Ahead of the main ceremony, the MOBO Awards Fringe has activated Manchester with a series of live performances, industry talks, and events designed to spotlight emerging talent.
Hosts, Honours & How to Watch
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by global hip-hop icon Eve and acclaimed comedian Eddie Kadi. The event will also bestow special awards, with music legend Pharrell Williams set to receive the Global Songwriter Award and hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick also scheduled for a lifetime honour. For the first time, the awards will be livestreamed globally on Amazon Music, broadening the reach of the celebration.
Key Facts: The 2026 MOBO Awards
Here is a breakdown of the essential information for this year’s ceremony.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Venue | 26 March 2026 at Co-op Live, Manchester |
| Significance | 30th Anniversary of the MOBO Awards |
| Hosts | Eve and Eddie Kadi |
| Special Honourees | Pharrell Williams (Global Songwriter Award), Slick Rick |
| Broadcast Partner | Livestream available globally on Amazon Music |
| Fan Involvement | Select categories are open to public voting at voting.mobo.com |
A Legacy of Influence
Since its inception, the MOBO Awards have honoured a vast array of international stars, from Stormzy, Little Simz, and Central Cee to global icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Jay-Z. Founder Kanya King was herself recognised with a lifetime achievement award in December 2024 for her over-three-decade contribution to the industry. The awards remain a critical platform for elevating Black music and culture in the UK and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MOBO stand for?
MOBO stands for “Music Of Black Origin”. The awards honour achievements across genres including hip hop, grime, UK Drill, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Who votes for the MOBO Award winners?
A combination of industry experts and the public decide the winners. While a judging panel determines most categories, select awards are open to fan voting via the official MOBO website.
Where can I watch the 2026 MOBO Awards?
The ceremony will be livestreamed globally on Amazon Music on 26 March 2026.