Olivia Dean Dominates Mobo Awards with Three Major Wins in Manchester

Olivia Dean won three major awards at the 2026 Mobo Awards in Manchester, including album and song of the year. The event also honoured industry legends and emerging artists across music and entertainment.

Olivia Dean Shines at Mobo Awards in Manchester

Olivia Dean reinforced her status as one of the UK's most promising artists by winning three Mobo Awards during the ceremony held in Manchester for the first time. The pop singer earned the prestigious album of the year award for her soulful sophomore album, The Art of Loving, surpassing strong contenders including rapper Little Simz's Lotus and Central Cee's eagerly awaited Can't Rush Greatness.

While accepting the album of the year award, Dean dedicated it to author Bell Hooks and "all the black feminists that inspire me to love better and love the people in my life."

The 27-year-old London native also won the best female act award, and her chart-topping single, "Man I Need," was named song of the year.

Upon receiving the best female act accolade, Dean expressed her pride, stating she felt "so proud to be a black British female artist."

Her success at the Mobos follows a remarkable year in which she won four Brit Awards and a Grammy Award earlier in 2024.

In addition to her wins, Dean delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance of her soul-pop track "A Couple Minutes" during the ceremony, which celebrated black talent across the entertainment industry on its 30th anniversary.

Honouring Industry Legends and Emerging Talent

The event also recognised hip-hop veteran Slick Rick, who performed a career-spanning set alongside singer Estelle and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

"There were moments people didn't understand... every step, story and silence in-between brought me to this moment,"

said the Surrey-born rapper while accepting the award.

Estelle and Slick Rick perform onstage during the 2026 MOBO Awards at Co-op Live. Slick Rick wears a white suit with a sparkly eye-patch, while Estelle wears a white blazer dress. — Slick Rick performed a host of songs from his back catalogue alongside Estelle

Grammy-winning producer and artist Pharrell Williams, known for collaborations with Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, and Madonna, received the global songwriter award.

Nile Rodgers described it as the "greatest honour" to present Williams with the award, noting that the artist had "changed my life."

Pharrell Williams with the global songwriter award at the Mobo Awards at Co-op Live Arena. He wears a grey suit jacket over a stripped shirt. — Pharrell Williams shared a sweet moment with Nile Rodgers while collecting his award

Williams reciprocated the praise and paid tribute to Mobo founder Kanya King, highlighting her battle with cancer and her unwavering dedication.

"When you love what you get to do, you're never working, you're just having the time of your life,"

he said.

Rapper Jim Legxacy won the best male act award but was surpassed in the best newcomer category by teenage rapper DC3. The Northampton-born artist became emotional accepting the newcomer award, stating "Jesus Christ is real," and later also won the best gospel act prize.

Raye's theatrical music video for her hit "Where Is My Husband?", featuring scenes of the singer performing with a live band and pursuing a mysterious man through a vintage home, earned video of the year. This award was announced just hours before the release of her second album, The Music May Contain Hope, on streaming platforms.

Rapper Central Cee, who made Mobo history last year as the first artist to win best male act three times, added to his collection by winning best hip hop act.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr successfully defended her best international act title after being the first African woman to win it last year. However, she lost the best African music award to fellow Nigerian artist Wizkid.

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel won best Caribbean music act following his release from prison nearly two years ago, after judges decided against a retrial for murder.

Girl group Flo declared "R&B is back" as they accepted the award for best R&B act, while Nova Twins praised the Mobos for acknowledging the roots of rock music in black culture as they received the best alternative music act award.

Renée Downer, Jorja Douglas and Stella Quaresma of Flo win the award for Best R&B/Soul Act onstage during the 2026 MOBO Awards — R&B trio Flo were joyous as they collected the prize for their genre

Recognition Beyond Music

The ceremony also celebrated achievements outside music. Actor Stephen Graham continued his success with the Netflix series Adolescence, winning best performance in a TV show or film.

YouTuber Niko Omilana, known for his prank videos and political activism including standing in local elections, won best media personality.