Daily Mentor News

 

Afrobeats continues its unstoppable global takeover as seven of Nigeria’s biggest music stars have landed prestigious nominations at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, cementing the genre’s position as one of the most influential sounds in contemporary music.
Superstar Wizkid leads the Nigerian charge with multiple nominations, while heavyweights Davido, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, and fast-rising sensation Shallipopi have also secured spots across several competitive categories.
The MOBO Awards, widely regarded as one of the most respected platforms celebrating Black music excellence worldwide, honour artists across genres including Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, grime, dancehall, reggae, gospel, jazz, and soul.
This year’s nominations highlight the massive international impact of Nigerian talent, with Afrobeats stars consistently breaking streaming records, selling out global arenas, and influencing mainstream pop culture from London to Los Angeles.
The full list of Nigerian nominees includes:

• Wizkid – Recognised in multiple categories for his continued chart dominance and boundary-pushing artistry
• Davido – Nominated for his massive commercial success and global collaborations
• Ayra Starr – Celebrated for her breakout rise and distinctive vocal style
• Rema – Honoured for his innovative sound and international appeal
• Tiwa Savage – Acknowledged as a trailblazing force in African music
• Adekunle Gold – Nominated for his soulful melodies and consistent creativity
• Shallipopi – The street-pop sensation making waves with his unique energy and rapid ascent

The 2026 MOBO Awards mark another milestone in Nigeria’s cultural export boom, with the country now routinely outnumbering many other nations in nominations for major global music honours.Fans and industry insiders are already buzzing about the potential for multiple wins, with many predicting that this could be one of the strongest showings yet for Afrobeats on the MOBO stage.Voting is expected to open soon, and the winners will be revealed at the grand ceremony later in 2026.As Nigeria’s music scene continues to shape the global soundscape, one thing is clear: the world is not just listening it’s celebrating.