The 2026 MOBO Awards have unveiled the first wave of performers for their landmark 30th anniversary ceremony. They confirmed Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage as the first artists set to take the stage in Manchester this spring.
The ceremony will take place on 26 March at Co-op Live, the UK’s newest major arena. This marks the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted at the venue. The night will celebrate Black music, culture and creative legacy. In addition, additional performers and special honourees are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
All three performers enter the night as nominees. Olivia Dean arrives after a standout year. Her sophomore album The Art of Loving earned widespread critical acclaim. The project received four MOBO nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Female Act. This makes Dean the most nominated artist this year alongside Little Simz, kwn and Jim Legxacy.
FLO continued their ascent in 2025 with the release of their debut album Access All Areas and a historic U.S. headline tour. This was the largest by a British girl group in nearly two decades. As a result, the trio picked up two nominations for the 2026 MOBO Awards.
Tiwa Savage completes the trio. Widely regarded as the Queen of Afrobeats, the Nigerian superstar is nominated for Best African Music Act.
Alongside the performance announcement, global hip-hop icon and Grammy Award winner Eve and acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi have been confirmed as hosts for the 2026 event. Speaking about the opportunity, Eve called the anniversary “special,” noting the shared journey between MOBO and her own career. “We have a shared love for music and the culture,” she said. “Manchester, I hope you’re ready.”
Eddie Kadi, who returns as host for the second consecutive year, said it is an honour “to be back for the 30th anniversary,” teasing several surprises planned for the show.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King CBE, the MOBO Awards have become Europe’s most influential platform celebrating Black music and culture. This year’s ceremony marks three decades of recognising artists across hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, grime, soul and beyond.
King described the anniversary as a defining moment for the organisation. “We’re incredibly proud to have the iconic Eve and the incomparable Eddie Kadi hosting the MOBO Awards in Manchester,” she said. “As we mark 30 years of MOBO, this moment feels especially powerful. These artists and creatives embody excellence, authenticity and cultural impact.”
She added that the first wave of performers reflects the sound of today’s global Black music landscape. “Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage are shaping the music of now — bold, brilliant and rooted in creative truth.”
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