MOBO Awards marked its 30th anniversary with a ceremony held for the first time in Manchester, where British singer Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner of the night.
The event took place at the Co-op Live Arena and was hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi.
Olivia Dean leads winners with three awards
Dean secured three major awards, including:
- Best Female Act
- Album of the Year for The Art of Loving
- Song of the Year for Man I Need
Her triple win capped a strong run of recognition over the past year, with the singer continuing to gain international attention.
Ayra Starr and Wizkid claim international honours
Nigerian artists also featured prominently among the winners.
Ayra Starr won Best International Act, placing her ahead of global competitors in one of the night’s most competitive categories while Wizkid was named Best African Music Act.
Other notable winners and categories
Several other artists and creatives were recognised across genres:
- Best Male Act: Jim Legxacy
- Best Newcomer: DC3 (who also won Best Gospel Act)
- Best Hip Hop Act: Central Cee
- Best R&B/Soul Act: Flo
- Best Grime Act: Chip
- Best Drill Act: Twin S
- Best Alternative Music Act: Nova Twins
- Best Caribbean Music Act: Vybz Kartel
- Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
- Best Electronic/Dance Act: Sherelle
- Best Producer: P2J
In the video category, Raye won Video of the Year for Where Is My Husband!.
Film and media categories
Outside music, Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for Adolescence, dedicating the award to his father.
Niko Omilana received Best Media Personality.
Special honours
The ceremony also recognised global contributions to music:
- Pharrell Williams received the MOBO Global Songwriter Award, presented by Nile Rodgers
- Slick Rick was given the Lifetime Achievement Award
About the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards was founded in 1996 by Kanya King to celebrate achievements in music of Black origin, including genres such as hip hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and Afrobeats.
Speaking at the event, members of the industry spoke on the awards’ cultural importance, describing Black British music as “a very precious story” shaped by generations of artists.
