The MOBO Awards, hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, is shaping up to be one of the most star‑studded in the event’s history, taking place on March 26, 2026 at Co‑op Live in Manchester.
Eve said: “I’m so excited to be co-hosting the MOBO Awards in this big 30th anniversary year. Even though our journeys started around the same time across the Atlantic from each other, we have our shared love for music and the culture, and in making sure we continue to have spaces that celebrate talent and share our stories. Manchester, I hope you’re ready because we have an amazing night planned for you.”
The event have unveiled two major honorees and a fresh wave of performers for their landmark 30th anniversary ceremony.
Pharrell Williams will receive the MOBO Global Songwriter Award, recognizing his decades of influence as one of modern music’s most innovative hitmakers. Hip‑hop pioneer Slick Rick will be honored with the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his groundbreaking storytelling and enduring impact on the genre.
Slick Rick commented: “It’s a real honor to be recognized by the MOBO Awards, which have long celebrated the richness of Black music and culture. From Mitcham – South London to New York and beyond, my journey in Hip Hop has always been about storytelling, imagination and staying true to the culture, so this moment right here feels special and warm.”
Slick Rick will also take to the stage for a special collaborative performance with Estelle, designed to spotlight his journey through hip‑hop and his lasting cultural legacy.
The newly announced performers join an already packed line‑up. Jamaican star Shenseea has been added to the bill, performing alongside previously confirmed acts including Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, and Myles Smith.
Olivia Dean, Little Simz and rising stars kwn and Jim Legxacy are up for the most awards this year, earning four nominations each; while FLO, Central Cee, Skepta, and PinkPantheress are up for three awards each. Netflix’s acclaimed series Adolescence receives two nominations for Best Performance in a TV Show / Film, recognizing Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham, alongside Cynthia Erivo for Wicked and Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners.
The night will also feature a major moment for UK rap with MOBO Salutes: Grime 25, a medley curated by DJ Target and featuring Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E.
Amazon Music will livestream the 2026 MOBO Awards live from Co-op Live in Manchester as the Official Digital Music Streaming Partner.
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