It’s 2026, and Nigerian voices are still making monumental statements in the global music industry. Last night, the 26th of March, 2026 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, Nigerian artistes Ayra Starr and Wizkid emerged winners at the 2026 Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards.

In one of the event’s highlights, Nigerian female superstar Ayra Starr secured a landmark win as she won the award for the Best International Act. The Mavin star displaced an array of global nominees, including Cardi B, Tyla, Gunna, Kehlani, Vybz Kartel, Mariah the Scientist, Clipse, Leon Thomas, and Moliy. Notably, she was nominated as the only Nigerian representative in this year’s category.

Ayra Starr wins Best International Act at the MOBO Awards 🌍🏆 pic.twitter.com/8VoxDJJIRz

— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) March 27, 2026

The award marks her second consecutive win for the title, following her monumental 2025 victory, when she became the first female African artiste to win the prestigious prize. It also marks her third MOBO Award since her record-breaking win for Best African Music Act in 2025. The 23-year-old joins the likes of heavyweight Nigerian artistes Wizkid and Burna Boy in holding the most MOBO Award titles for the Best International Act.

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid wasn’t left out of the victory lap. The singer took home the award for Best African Music Act, triumphing over the likes of Ayra Starr, Moliy, Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold. The award marks his seventh MOBO title.

Alongside notable wins from Nigerian artistes, other acts of Nigerian descent, like Odeal, were nominated for Best Male Act and Best R&B/Soul Act. While British-Nigerians, including Wunmi Mosaku, Damson Idris, Dayo Koleosho and Cynthia Erivo, were nominated in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category.

Tiwa Savage performs a preview of her unreleased song “Energy” at the 2026 #MOBOAwards. pic.twitter.com/dkOMJA7nKQ

— 𝗧𝗶𝘄𝗮 Savage World⚔️ (@savagesourcee) March 26, 2026

The 2026 ceremony, which marked the awards’ 30th anniversary, was a night made to celebrate music from Black culture, spanning Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and grime. It also showcased music performances from diverse artistes, including heavyweight act Tiwa Savage, who delivered a stunning performance.

The monumental success of Nigerian superstars at the 2026 MOBO Awards is a significant testament to the prominence and continuous efforts of Nigerian music on the global stage. With all these and more, it is evident Nigerian music is nowhere in decline.