The 2026 MOBO Awards marked a historic celebration of Black music and culture, and as always, Nigeria was well represented. Held on March 26 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester—the first time the ceremony took place in the city—the 30th-anniversary event was a night of record-breaking wins for Nigerian stars .
From Afrobeats royalty to digital media personalities, here is a look at all the major Nigerian winners who flew the flag high.
Wizkid: The King of African Music (Again)
Ayọ̀ Bálọ́gun, better known as Wizkid, added another feather to his already feather-filled cap by winning Best African Music Act .
He clinched the award in a fiercely competitive category, beating out fellow Nigerian heavyweights including Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold . This win marks his seventh MOBO Award, officially making him the most awarded African artiste in the history of the ceremony—a testament to his enduring influence on the global stage .
Ayra Starr: Back-to-Back Global Dominance
If Wizkid is the king, Ayra Starr is undoubtedly the reigning queen of the international circuit. The Mavin Records star won Best International Act for the second consecutive year, becoming the first African artiste in 16 years to achieve back-to-back wins in this category .
Ayra triumphed over a global shortlist that included Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, and Tyla, solidifying her status as a global powerhouse . This victory brings her career MOBO tally to three.
Niko Omilana: Influence Beyond Music
The Nigerian influence wasn’t limited to the recording studio. British-Nigerian media personality and YouTube sensation Niko Omilana took home the award for Best Media Personality .
Known for his viral stunts and political campaigns, Omilana’s win highlights the expanding definition of media and the growing power of digital creators in celebrating Black culture .
Behind the Boards: P2J Wins Best Producer
While the spotlight often shines on the artists, Nigerian talent also shined behind the scenes. The prolific producer P2J won Best Producer for his sophisticated sonic contributions across Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop . His win underscores the critical role Nigerian producers play in shaping the sound of global music today.
A Night of Nigerian Excellence
Beyond the winners, Nigerian stars were present throughout the evening. Tiwa Savage delivered a standout performance, while several British-Nigerian actors—including Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, and Wunmi Mosaku—received nominations in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category .
The 2026 MOBO Awards proved that Nigerian talent is no longer just a “guest” at the global table, but one of the hosts setting the menu .
Full List of Nigerian Winners at MOBO Awards 2026:
· Best African Music Act: Wizkid
· Best International Act: Ayra Starr
· Best Media Personality: Niko Omilana
· Best Producer: P2J
What do you think about this year’s winners? Was Wizkid’s win well-deserved? Let us know in the comments below
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