History was made on Thursday evening (March 26) as Manchester played host to the MOBO Awards for the very first time.
Comedians Eve and Eddie Kadi took to the stage at Co-op Live to helm the prestigious ceremony, which was also broadcast live on Twitch via Amazon Music. The star-studded night featured electrifying sets from Aitch, Flo, Myles Smith, and the unstoppable Olivia Dean, who arrived on a high following her triumphant showing at the BRIT Awards at the very same venue just weeks earlier.
Estelle and Slick Rick also delivered a memorable performance, with the latter being honoured with this year's MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. Music mogul Pharrell Williams was equally celebrated, picking up the MOBO Global Songwriter Award.
Olivia Dean was undoubtedly the queen of the night, scooping an impressive three gongs at the 2026 MOBO Awards, claiming Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Act, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Stepping up to collect her first accolade of the evening for Best Female Act, the Couple Minutes singer beamed: "Hi everyone! It's such an honour to be here. I just feel so proud to be a black British female artist."
She continued: "I just wanna say big up to all the other women in this category. I want to dedicate this to my mum and auntie who made me the woman I am today." Accepting her third accolade of the night, the Baby Steps singer expressed: "This is a bit silly, thank you so much. This album was really just born from me wanting to write something about love. I want to dedicate this to Bell Hooks, and all the black feminists who inspired me to love better.
"Thank you so much."
Among the evening's other triumphs, Stephen Graham secured Best TV and Film Performances for his compelling portrayal in Adolescence. Taking to the stage, he declared: "This recognition for me means the world. I'd like to give love and respect for my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine. Can we give them all a massive round of applause? On a personal level, my friends and family - you know who you are - thank you for helping me do something I can't do on my own."
Meanwhile, the Best Newcomer trophy was claimed by 19 year old rapper DC3, who became visibly emotional and shed tears while receiving his honour on stage.
Below is the complete roster of victors from the 2026 MOBO Awards.
Best Male ActWinner: Jim Legxacy
Best Female ActWinner: Olivia Dean
Album of the YearWinner: Olivia Dean
Song of the YearWinner: Olivia Dean
Best NewcomerWinner: DC3
Video of the YearWinner: RAYE
Best R&B / Soul actWinner: Flo
Best Alternative Music ActWinner: Nova Twins
Best Grime ActWinner: Chip
Best Hip-Hop ActWinner: Central Cee
Best Drill ActWinner: Twin S
Best International ActWinner: Ayra Starr
Best Media PersonalityWinner: Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show / FilmWinner: Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music ActWinner: Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz ActWinner: Ezra Collective
Best Electronic ActWinner: Sherelle
Best Gospel ActWinner: DC3
Best ProducerWinner: P2J
MOBO Lifetime AchievementSlick Rick
MOBO Global SongwriterPharrell Williams