Lagos, Nigeria | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The MOBO Awards in the UK just dropped the names for the 26th edition happening on February 7, 2024, and it’s looking like a star-studded affair. African sensations like Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Wizkid, Tyla from South Africa, and Libianca from Cameroon are in the spotlight.
Taking over the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, this grand celebration of black music and culture is ready to dish out accolades across 20 categories. In the Best African Act category, it’s a showdown with Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Wizkid, Tyla, Adekunle Gold, Asake, Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Libianca (Cameroon), and Uncle Waffles (eSwatini) all in the mix. Gospel vibes? Nigerian talent Limoblaze is repping in the Best Gospel category.
And let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes magic – P2J, the British-Nigerian producer famous for his beats with Wizkid, is gunning for Best Producer.
Leading the pack with four nominations each are British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz and British-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy. MOBO founder Kanya King is beaming with pride, saying, “We are proud to champion this year’s incredible line-up of nominees for the 26th MOBO Awards.”
Here’s the whole lineup of nominees:
TEN perfect nominees…and just ONE MOBO Award for Best African Music Act in association with @locomc_plc! 🙌🏾🎵#MOBOAwards
🏆 @adekunleGOLD
🏆 @asakemusik
🏆 @ayrastarr
🏆 @burnaboy
🏆 @davido
🏆 @iamlibianca
🏆 @heisrema
🏆 @Tyllaaaaaaa
🏆 @unclewaffffles
🏆 @wizkidayoVote… pic.twitter.com/awed0VMgLP
— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) December 15, 2023
Best International Act (US)
- Doja Cat
- Drake & 21 Savage
- Travis Scott
- Ice Spice
- Latto
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Nicki Minaj
- Sexyy Red
- SZA
- Victoria Monet
Best Performance
- Adjani Salmon as Kwabena – Dreaming Whilst Black
- Damson Idris as Franklin Saint – Snowfall
- Déja J. Bowens as Vita – Champion
- Idris Elba as Sam – Hijack
- India Amarteifio as Queen Charlotte – Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
- John Boyega as Fontaine – They Cloned Tyrone
- Lashana Lynch as Izogie – The Woman King
- Letitia Wright as Shuri – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Malcolm Kamulete as Bosco – Champion
- Vivian Oparah as Yas – Rye Lane
Best Media Personality
- Alison Hammond
- Amelia Dimoldenberg
- Henrie Kwushue
- Madame Joyce
- Maya Jama
- Pressed Podcast
- Remi Burgz
- Shxtsngigs
- Specs Gonzalez
- Zeze Millz
Best Caribbean Music Act
- Byron Messia
- Destra
- Kabaka Pyramid
- Popcaan
- Shenseea
- Valiant
Best Jazz Act
- Blue Lab Beats (UK)
- Cktrl (UK)
- Ezra Collective (UK)
- Masego (US)
- Reuben James (UK)
- Yazmin Lacey (UK)
Best Alternative Music Act
- Alt Blk Era
- Arlo Parks
- Deijuvhs
- Kid Bookie
- Skindred
- Young Fathers
Best Electronic/Dance Act
- Aluna
- Nia Archives
- Pinkpantheress
- Salute
- Shygirl
- Tsha
Best Producer
- Inflo
- Kyle Evans
- M1onthebeat
- P2J
- Steel Banglez
- TSB
Best Gospel Act
- Annatoria (UK)
- CalledOut Music (UK)
- Guvna B (UK)
- Limoblaze (Nigeria)
- Tofunmi Adorna (UK)
- Triple O (UK)
Best African Music Act
- Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
- Asake (Nigeria)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Libianca (Cameroon)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Male Act
- Central Cee
- Dave
- D-Block Europe
- J Hus
- Nines
- Stormzy
Best Female Act
- Flo
- Jorja Smith
- Little Simz
- Mahalia
- Pinkpantheress
- Raye
Album of the Year
- Where I’m Meant To Be – Ezra Collective
- Beautiful and Brutal Yard – J Hus
- No Thank You – Little Simz
- Real Back In Style – Potter Payper
- My 21st Century Blues – Raye
- This Is What I Mean – Stormzy
Song of the Year
- ‘Sprinter’ – Central Cee & Dave
- ‘’Who Told You’ – J Hus feat. Drake
- ‘Little Things’ – Jorja Smith
- ‘Boys A Liar Pt.2’ – Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice
- ‘Escapism’ – Raye & 070 Shake
- ‘Hide & Seek’ – Stormzy
Best Newcomer
- Ama Lou
- Antslive
- Debbie
- Jayo
- Nippa
- No Guidnce
- Rimzee
- Strandz
- Tamera
- Tunde
Video of the Year
- ‘Number One Candidate’ (Directed by Tom Emmerson) – Antslive
- ‘No More Naija Men’ (Directed by Otis Dominique) – Enny
- Dirt in the Diamond EP1: Mobay ft. Tay Iwar / ‘Stay Close’ ft. Kranium (Directed by Renee Maria Osubu) – Jords
- ‘Gorilla’ (Directed by Dave Meyers) – Little Simz
- ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ (Directed by KLVDR) – Stormzy
- ‘Healing’’ (Directed by Wowa) – Tion Wayne
Best R&B/Soul Act
- Bellah
- Jaz Karis
- Mahalia
- Ragz Originale
- Sampha
- Sault
Best Hip Hop Act
- Avelino
- Clavish
- Digga D
- Enny
- Fredo
- Giggs
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
- Nines
- Potter Payper
Best Grime Act
- Bugzy Malone
- Duppy
- Flowdan
- Manga Saint Hilare
- Novelist
- P Money
Best Drill Act
- Central Cee
- Headie One
- K-Trap
- Kwengface
- M24
- Russ Millions
- Teezandos
- Unknown T
