Tyla and Ayra Starr Lead 2026 MOBO Nominations
African superstars Tyla and Ayra Starr have secured major nominations for the 30th Anniversary MOBO Awards in Manchester. Both icons are shortlisted for Best International Act and Best African Music Act, underscoring the global dominance of Afrobeats and Amapiano as they compete against the world's elite talent.
The MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards have officially unveiled the nominees for their landmark 30th anniversary ceremony, scheduled to take place in Manchester in early 2026.
Dominating the international headlines are African powerhouses Tyla and Ayra Starr, both of whom have secured prestigious nods in the Best International Act and Best African Music Act categories. Their inclusion highlights the continued global shift toward Afrobeats and Amapiano, as these artists move beyond regional success to become definitive fixtures in the mainstream global music industry.
Afrobeats princess Ayra Starr enters the 2026 cycle as a formidable contender, having made history at the previous ceremony by becoming the first African female artist to win the Best International Act trophy. Her latest nominations follow the sustained success of her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, which garnered critical acclaim for its cross continental appeal. Starr’s presence in the International category alongside global heavyweights suggests that her impact on the UK and US markets has transitioned from a breakout moment into a lasting legacy of influence.
South African star Tyla continues her meteoric rise with nominations that reflect a year of unprecedented achievement. Following her Grammy success and the global saturation of her self titled debut album, Tyla has become an ambassador for the SA Amapiano sound. Her ability to blend rhythmic house elements with contemporary R&B has earned her a seat at the table with the world's most elite performers. For Tyla, a win at the MOBOs would serve as further validation of her role in bringing Southern African dance culture to the forefront of the British music scene.
The Best International Act category remains one of the most competitive fields in the 2026 lineup. Tyla and Ayra Starr find themselves pitted against a diverse array of global talent, including hip-hop veterans like Cardi B and the recently reunited duo Clipse. The category also features R&B standouts such as Kehlani, Leon Thomas, and Mariah the Scientist, alongside dancehall legend Vybz Kartel. The inclusion of two African women in this specific category underscores the MOBOs' commitment to acknowledging Black excellence without geographic limitations.
In the Best African Music Act category, the competition is equally fierce, representing the breadth of the continent’s current musical output. Alongside Tyla and Starr, the nominee list features industry titans such as Wizkid & Davido, Tiwa Savage & Rema. The category also shines a spotlight on rising stars and genre defiers like Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and Ghana’s Moliy. This particular category has historically been a bellwether for the next big global crossover, and the 2026 list reflects a genre that is more diverse and commercially viable than ever before.
As the MOBO Awards celebrate three decades of honoring Black music and culture, the move to Manchester signifies a broadening of the awards' physical and cultural footprint within the United Kingdom. Organizers have promised a "spectacular" anniversary show that pays homage to the pioneers of the past while celebrating the digital era icons who are currently redefining the industry. With Tyla & Ayra Starr leading the charge for the African contingent, the ceremony is set to be a definitive moment for the diaspora's influence on the world stage.
The 2026 MOBO Awards will be a critical test of whether the current momentum of African music can translate into a "clean sweep" of the international categories. As fans and industry insiders prepare for the ceremony, the focus remains on these two women who have successfully bridged the gap between Lagos, Johannesburg, London, and Los Angeles.
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