British music sensation Olivia Dean has cemented her status as a dominant force in the industry by emerging as the biggest winner at the 2026 Mobo awards. The celebrated artist secured an impressive three awards, taking home best female act, album of the year for The Art of Loving, and song of the year for her chart-topping hit Man I Need.
A Spectacular Year for the Golden Girl
This triumph caps off what has been an extraordinary year for Olivia Dean. Earlier this month, she claimed four out of five nominations at the Brit Awards, and she previously won best new act at the Grammys. Her remarkable achievements highlight her rapid ascent in the music world.
Other Notable Winners and Honorees
The ceremony, which honors excellence in black music, saw several other artists receive recognition. Raye won video of the year for Where Is My Husband, Central Cee was named best hip-hop act, and Ezra Collective took the jazz category award.
Dean also delivered a memorable performance at the event, which marked the 30th anniversary of the Mobo awards. The celebration was held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, featuring additional performances by Flo, Slick Rick, Estelle, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, and Myles Smith.
Lifetime Achievement and Global Recognition
Influential British-American rapper and producer Slick Rick received the Mobo lifetime achievement award. With a career spanning over four decades, his 2025 album Victory was his first release in 26 years, receiving a mixed critical response but enthusiastic fan support.
American producer Pharrell Williams was honored with the global songwriter award. Known for timeless hits like Happy and Get Lucky with Daft Punk, both from 2013, his work continues to resonate on radio playlists worldwide.
Rising Stars and Diverse Categories
Best male act was awarded to Jim Legxacy, a 25-year-old rapper from Lewisham who blends grime and R&B. His mixtape Black British Music, released last year, featured collaborations with artists including Dave and Fimiguerrero.
Stephen Graham won best performance in a TV show/film for Adolescence, a drama shot in single takes that explores a family's turmoil after their son is accused of murder.
Complete List of 2026 Mobo Award Winners
- Best male act – Jim Legxacy
- Best female act – Olivia Dean
- Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
- Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need
- Best newcomer – DC3
- Video of the year – Raye, Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)
- Best R&B/soul act – Flo
- Best alternative music act – Nova Twins
- Best grime act – Chip
- Best hip-hop act – Central Cee
- Best drill act – Twin S
- Best international act – Ayra Starr
- Best media personality – Niko Omilana
- Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
- Best African music act – Wizkid
- Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel
- Best jazz act – Ezra Collective
- Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle
- Best gospel act – DC3
- Best producer – P2J
- Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams
- Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick
The 2026 Mobo awards showcased the vibrant diversity and talent within black music, with Olivia Dean's standout success underscoring her position as a leading figure in contemporary British culture.
