The MOBO Awards 2026, Europe’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, will be held in Manchester for the first time on the 26 March, marking the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Organisation. The milestone event will take place at Co-op Live, the UK’s newest and largest live entertainment arena, promising a night of standout performances, tributes, and culture-defining moments.
As part of the celebrations, MOBO will host the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long citywide takeover in collaboration with Manchester City Council, featuring free live shows, talent showcases, creative workshops, and industry panels. The initiative aims to empower young creatives and highlight Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.
MOBO Founder and CEO Kanya King CBE said: “For 30 years, MOBO has been more than an awards show, it’s been a movement shaping culture, championing creativity, and opening doors for generations of talent.”
Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig hailed the city’s selection as host, saying the event reflects Manchester’s proud legacy of music and diversity. Mayor Andy Burnham also welcomed the announcement, calling it “a huge privilege” for Greater Manchester.
Returning partners for the 2026 ceremony include Prostate Cancer UK as the official men’s health charity partner, continuing its campaign to raise awareness about the higher risk of prostate cancer among Black men, and got2b as the official hairstyling partner.
Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996, the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) has grown into one of the most influential and prestigious celebrations of Black music and culture in the world. Over the decades, it has honoured and showcased an extraordinary lineup of global superstars, including Stormzy, Central Cee, Rihanna, Davido, Wizkid, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, among many others. Beyond recognizing established icons, the MOBOs have consistently provided a powerful platform for emerging artists to shine, helping to launch and elevate countless careers across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, gospel, Afrobeats, and more.
The awards have also played a vital role in promoting diversity, creativity, and cultural pride, using its stage to amplify underrepresented voices and highlight the global impact of Black artistry. More than just an annual event, the MOBO Awards have become a movement—driving representation across the creative industries and inspiring a new generation of talent to embrace their roots, push boundaries, and redefine the future of music and entertainment.
At the 2025 MOBO Awards held in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, artists like Bashy, Darkoo, Odeal, and Central Cee claimed major awards. Still, the night’s most historic moment came when Ayra Starr became the first African woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act and also walked away with Best International Act, cementing her as a global star and making MOBO history in the process.
Fans can register at mobo.com/awards for updates and ticket access ahead of their release in December.
