The MOBO Awards have unveiled this year’s nominees, with Nova Twins, ALT BLK ERA and more facing off in the Best Alternative Music Act category.
Nova Twins, ALT BLK ERA and more have been nominated in the 2026 MOBO Awards.
The ceremony will be taking place at Manchester’s giant Co-op Live for the very first time on March 26, as part of the MOBOs’ 30th anniversary celebrations. A whopping 20 categories have been revealed today (January 15) ahead of the event, with show hosts, performers and honourees still to be announced.
Facing off in the Best Alternative Music Act category (in alphabetical order) are ALT BLK ERA, Blood Orange, Hak Baker, Michael Kiwanuka, Nova Twins and Rachel Chinouriri – who, as per the MOBOs’ terms, are being recognised for ‘outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024 to October 1, 2025’.
“As MOBO enters its 30th year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of talent we have championed over the past three decades,” says Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group. “Time and again, artists have taken the recognition of a MOBO Award and transformed it into fuel for lasting success.
“This year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in. Their voices matter – not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future. From sharp, socially conscious lyricism to boundary-pushing creativity that defies genre, this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities.
“The 2026 nominations represent one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence we’ve seen in years. Spanning R&B, dance-electronic, and experimental rap, what unites these artists is the power of their storytelling, their confidence and cultural impact. Congratulations to all our nominees – we can’t wait to celebrate with you in Manchester.”
Good luck, all!
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