Follow Us on Google
Afrobeats giants Wizkid and Ayra Starr made a dominant presence at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, securing major wins that underscore the genre’s enduring hold on the global cultural scene.
The milestone 30th anniversary event was held on Tuesday at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. This was a momentous first for the city, as the awards went north to honour three decades of Black music and culture in one of the UK’s most prominent musical hubs.
Ayra Starr emerged as the evening’s most distinguished African voice, winning the Best International Act award for the second year in a row. Following her debut in 2025, this triumph makes her the first African artist in 16 years to win back-to-back in this coveted category, increasing her total MOBO victories to three.
The “Sabi Girl” beat out a difficult worldwide shortlist that includes heavyweight candidates like Cardi B, Tyla, Gunna, and Vybz Kartel. Notably, she was the only Nigerian representative in the international bracket.
Other News
While Starr took the international honours, the Best African Music Act category saw Wizkid reclaim his mantle.
In a year defined by high-calibre releases across the continent, Wizkid emerged top in a “group of death” that featured fellow Nigerian stars Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and Shallipopi.
The win solidifies Wizkid’s status as a foundational pillar of the global Afrobeats movement, further extending his record as one of the most decorated African artistes in the history of the awards.
