Nigerian music superstars Wizkid and Ayra Starr, alongside British-Nigerian media personality Niko Omilana, secured top honors at the prestigious 2026 MOBO Awards.
The star-studded event, which celebrates Black music and culture, took place in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Thursday.
The award ceremony marked the MOBOs’ historic debut in Manchester, gathering a host of international stars for a night of recognition and celebration.
Wizkid emerged victorious by claiming the highly coveted award for “Best African Music Act”. To win the category, the global music icon defeated an impressive lineup of fellow Nigerian heavyweights, including Davido, Rema, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold.
Adding to the impressive Nigerian sweep, Ayra Starr took home the “Best International Act” award.
The young sensation outperformed a tough category of global heavyweights, successfully beating out major artists like Cardi B, Gunna, and Kehlani for the prize.
Meanwhile, popular British-Nigerian content creator Niko Omilana was officially named “Best Media Personality”.
Other notable winners from the 2026 MOBO Awards include Olivia Dean, who swept multiple categories. Dean won “Best Female Act,” “Album of the Year” for The Art of Loving, and “Song of the Year” for her track Man I Need. Jim Legxacy took home “Best Male Act,” while Central Cee won “Best Hip Hop Act”.
Additionally, iconic producer Pharrell Williams received the “Global Songwriting Award,” and legendary hip-hop artist Slick Rick was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
